AZE.US
Residents in Baku are raising concerns over the growing amount of trash left behind by beachgoers along the Caspian coast.
According to Baku TV, the problem becomes especially visible during the summer season, when beaches around the Azerbaijani capital turn into one of the main recreation spots for both locals and tourists. In many areas, however, plastic bags, bottles, food waste and other household trash are often left scattered on the sand after visitors leave.
“You cannot do this. This is our place of rest. People come here, eat, drink and relax, but then they leave their trash behind. It is shameful,” one resident said.
Eyewitnesses say some visitors do not even try to take their garbage to nearby bins, leaving it directly on the beach or close to the water.
Experts warn that plastic and household waste do more than spoil the appearance of the coastline. Such waste can pollute the water, harm marine life and create health risks for people. Organic waste decomposes quickly, producing unpleasant odors and creating conditions for bacteria to spread.
The Sabunchu District Communal Services Department said that at the “Dachnik” beach in Bilgah, some visitors ignore sanitary rules by leaving waste at their resting spots instead of using nearby containers.
The department said a special working group has been created to address such cases and that the sanitary condition of the area is being monitored.
Baku TV also contacted the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The ministry said oversight of the issue does not fall under its authority and advised contacting the Hygiene and Epidemiology Center. However, the broadcaster said repeated calls to the center during the day went unanswered.
Environmental specialists note that a plastic bottle or bag can take decades, and in some cases even centuries, to decompose in nature. Every piece of trash left on the coast therefore becomes not just an unpleasant sight, but a serious environmental problem for future generations.
AZE.US