On Lake Aidabol in the Zerenda district of the Akmola region, a mass fish die-off has been recorded. The fisheries inspectorate, veterinarians, and ecologists are already working at the scene. Residents are linking the event to the abnormally hot weather, but a similar fish die-off situation has occurred in this area before, and at that time locals sought the cause not in the weather, but in the nearby distillery.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED THIS TIME
Specialists from the Yesil Interregional Basin Fisheries Inspectorate, the veterinary service, and the Department of Ecology for the Akmola Region have travelled to the site of the fish kill. During the survey of the water body, water samples and samples of dead fish were taken, and materials have been sent to the laboratory. The Department of Veterinary Medicine for the Akmola Region clarified that the causes of the fish death will only be determined after the results of the analyses are obtained.
Various versions of events are being discussed among local residents. The most likely is considered to be overheating of the water against the backdrop of the established hot weather: daytime temperatures in the region are currently up to 34 degrees, while night-time temperatures do not drop below 20. According to eyewitnesses, the die-off has primarily affected peled - a cold-water fish species sensitive to rising water temperatures and decreasing oxygen levels.
NOT THE FIRST SUCH INCIDENT
A similar situation occurred in this same village back in February 2026. At that time, residents of Aidabol reported that the water in the river had darkened and began to smell unpleasant, and part of the water body did not freeze even in winter. According to one unconfirmed version from eyewitnesses, which was not substantiated by the authorities, this was linked to the nearby distillery using river water for cooling equipment and then discharging it back. Water samples were also taken then by the Department of Ecology and the fisheries inspectorate, but the results of laboratory studies were not publicly commented on.
WHO IS BEHIND THE FACTORY NEAR THE LAKE
As the editorial team of FBK has discovered, JSC 'Aidabulsky Distillery' operates in the village of Aidabol on Lenin Street, approximately 150–200 metres from the river, and is officially engaged in the production of organic chemical substances. The enterprise has been on the market for over 30 years and has paid 5.3 billion tenge in taxes since 2015. According to Kursiv.media, in December 2025, a controlling stake (99.6%) transferred from the previous owner Kanatbek Tashenov to the new owner Aydin Kabdrakhman via the structure North Agro Ltd. At the same time, Tashenov continues to be listed as the director of the factory.
The enterprise has large debts under enforcement proceedings - over 529 million tenge, as well as a freeze on bank accounts, property and vehicles, and a ban on notarial actions. In 2024, the enterprise incurred a loss of 372.3 million tenge, and the uncovered loss at the end of 2025 amounted to 3 billion tenge.
Interestingly, registered at the same address as the distillery is LLP 'A-Green Product', which is engaged in the treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste. The head of the company is Kairzhan Anderzhanov, and the founders are Yelnur Sharipbayev and Aydin Kabdrakhman - the same person who is the new owner of the distillery.
The editorial team of FBK will continue to monitor the development of the situation.