The demolition of outbuildings and flower beds in central Makhachkala has outraged residents.

Makhachkala City Hall representatives removed several dozen building extensions, entrances, and flower beds from sidewalks in the city center. Residents complained that the appearance of the streets had significantly deteriorated.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," in October 2021, more than 100 developers held a protest against the demolition of high-rise buildings in Makhachkala. In their fight against illegal construction, officials are even demolishing buildings whose construction was legalized by the courts, and are disregarding the interests of apartment buyers, protesters noted.

On October 30, the Makhachkala City Hall reported on its Telegram channel that "work had been carried out to clear the sidewalk of illegally erected structures" on Rasul Gamzatov Avenue, the city's main street leading to the city square. All of them were installed without permission, occupied part of the pedestrian space and interfered with the "free and safe movement" of residents, the publication says.

The video footage that illustrated the publication shows workers removing decorative flower beds with greenery installed near the store "Oceanica."

A city hall representative explained to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that a total of 50 structures erected illegally, without the necessary permits, were demolished in October.

The official noted that the demolition was preceded by the work of a specialized commission, and the owners were given a deadline to correct the violations. The demolished structures included commercial pavilions, unauthorized extensions, and entrance areas located on municipal land in violation of urban planning regulations.

Some Makhachkala residents criticized the authorities' actions. Thus, Makhachkala resident Magomed-Rasul told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the mayor's office's actions resemble a PR stunt. According to him, similar work was carried out under previous mayors, but some of the structures were later restored.

"Illegal market stalls that don't fit into the interior must be removed. But who was bothered by beautifully decorated cafes, shops, and especially potted plants? The city is full of illegally constructed high-rise buildings, and adjacent territories are being seized. You'd better sort this out," the man advised the authorities in absentia.

Tourists are delighted by such beautiful locations. And now they're being torn down.

Makhachkala resident Amina also told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that she doesn't like the selective nature of the demolition of the structures. "The city has only become more civilized; beautifully decorated food outlets, greenery, and easy tables have appeared. I work as a guide, and tourists are often delighted by such beautiful locations. And now they're being torn down, turning Makhachkala back into a gray, faceless city," she said.

22:53 19.07.2025

Makhachkala City Hall reported the dismantling of dozens of kiosks

70 illegally installed retail units have been dismantled in Makhachkala, including in city parks. The kiosks are being removed with the assistance of the police.

City resident Said expressed a similar opinion. "Beautifully decorated shops, restaurants, and cafes have appeared in the city. If there are any violations, give them the opportunity to correct them or legalize them. Many summer cafe patios are slated for demolition. Thousands of tourists will arrive in the spring, and I think they'll be shocked. "The city has almost no green spaces, and the authorities are doing nothing to create new parks and squares, but have instead decided to destroy cozy spaces," he told a Caucasian Knot correspondent.

Makhachkala needs new green spaces, especially the city center, which is heavily developed, and citizens' proposals to create new squares are relevant, activists from the "Our City" movement reported in March 2023. There is no longer enough space in the city for a new large park, so several mini-squares can be created, they noted.

Makhachkala lacks park areas for recreation, residents complained in February 2023, and proposed several locations where, in their opinion, squares could be created. In the park near Lake Ak-Gel, 50 trees have been planted, the mayor's office reported in April of that year.