In the Moscow region, a three-year initiative titled “100 Ponds and Lakes” has reached its completion, marking the restoration and improvement of more than 160 water bodies. The governor of the Moscow Region, Andrei Vorobyov, announced the milestone, as reported by the government’s press service.
Vorobyov explained that the program began in 2021. During the current year, an additional 40 ponds, lakes, and reservoirs were brought into use, exceeding the original plan by more than 1.5 times. The region chose not to settle for a fixed target and proceeded to regularize 163 ponds, lakes, and reservoirs in total. Each year, around 15 million residents and visitors engage with our reservoirs, underscoring the initiative’s broad public value. Residents were invited to participate through the Dobrodel portal, allowing communities to share feedback and priorities that guided site selections and actions.
A key highlight highlighted by the governor was the transformation of the Bolshoi Nemchinovsky Pond in the Odintsovo District, recognized as a landmark location that has long attracted artists and creators. Vorobyov noted the pond’s cultural resonance, mentioning that director Sergei Eisenstein once lived nearby and that artist Kazimir Malevich drew inspiration from the area. He encouraged people to visit, unwind by the water, and enjoy the natural beauty that is just a short drive from Moscow.
Operational work during the program included removing debris from the pond bottoms and clearing surface vegetation such as duckweed. The project employed versatile, self-propelled amphibious machines designed to handle a wide range of tasks while being operated by a single person. This equipment made it possible to execute multiple maintenance functions from a compact, mobile platform, increasing efficiency and reducing disruption to local ecosystems.
In 2023, the Lob River cleanup in the Shakhovskaya urban district was completed. The reservoir covers 35 hectares, with depths reaching up to seven meters in places. The site is a favorite among anglers from across the Moscow region, offering opportunities to catch species such as carp, crucian carp, perch, and pike, contributing to the area’s recreational appeal.
Another longstanding water body that underwent study and improvements is the Vishnyakovsky Pond in Balashikha. With a history spanning nearly three centuries, it is part of a broader series of ponds associated with the Dolgorukov-Gorenki estate. The pond’s shores once hosted the Veshnyakovs’ cloth factory and a mill on the dam, followed by the construction of a hydroelectric facility, marking a layered industrial heritage alongside ecological rehabilitation.
Additionally, as noted by Vorobyov, the pond within the Yegoryevsk Technical Garden also received comprehensive cleaning. The final phase of the “100 Ponds and Lakes” program centered on the reservoir along the Nikazhel River in the village of Belyaevo, within the Chekhov urban district. While removing excess vegetation and domestic waste from the surface, authorities also restored a seven-hectare coastal zone, making the area safer and more inviting for recreation and shoreline activities.
Across the region, the initiative emphasized a balance between natural restoration and public access. Engineering teams coordinated habitat restoration with improved safety measures, creating cleaner, healthier water bodies while expanding pathways, seating, and viewing areas that encourage families to spend time by the water. Local communities saw enhanced opportunities for fishing, boating, and shoreline picnics, contributing to regional well-being and tourism potential.
Experts from environmental and municipal services collaborated to monitor water quality, vegetation management, and sediment control. The program’s approach combined physical cleanup with ongoing maintenance plans, aiming to sustain improvements beyond the initial year of work. Public reporting and transparent communications remained core elements, with residents able to track progress, report concerns, and participate in future improvements through established public channels. The overarching goal was to revitalize urban and peri-urban water bodies to support biodiversity, recreational use, and cultural value, all within a framework that respects local ecosystems and community needs.
Overall, the completed package of projects demonstrates a concerted effort to convert aging or neglected ponds and lakes into well-maintained, accessible, and environmentally healthier assets. The region’s leadership highlighted the positive impact on residents, visitors, and the broader landscape around Moscow, reinforcing a long-term commitment to sustainable water resource management and public enjoyment.