Trees are being cut down in Teremky to make way for a heating pipeline
In Kyiv’s Teremky neighborhood, some trees are being removed due to the construction of a backup heating pipeline. The work has outraged local residents, but the Kyiv City State Administration explains that the new network is intended to protect the district from heating problems in the event that Thermal Power Plant No. 5 is damaged by Russian shelling. Once construction is complete, the city promises to restore the area and plant new trees.
Work is underway in the Teremky neighborhood of Kyiv to build a backup heating pipeline. Part of the route runs through a green space, so trees had to be removed to lay the pipeline. This has caused discontent among residents of the area. People took notice of the work and began demanding explanations from city officials as to why the trees were being removed and what would happen to the area once construction was complete.
The Kyiv City State Administration stated that the removal of greenery is directly related to the construction of the heating network. City officials describe the project as important for Teremky-1 and Teremky-2, as it is intended to make the heating system more resilient. The reason goes beyond the city’s routine preparations for the heating season. Kyiv continues to prepare its critical infrastructure for potential Russian attacks that could damage energy facilities.
What will happen if TPP-5 is damaged?
The Kyiv City State Administration explained that a backup heating main is needed in case of serious damage to the primary heat source. This refers to Thermal Power Plant No. 5. If the plant’s equipment is damaged by Russian shelling, more than 280 buildings in the Holosiivskyi district could be left without heat.
That is why the city is creating an alternative heat distribution system. In the event of an accident or damage to the main equipment, consumers will be able to quickly switch to another source. City officials emphasize that this is particularly important ahead of the new heating season. In the event of a large-scale attack on energy infrastructure, the backup network could help prevent large residential areas from being left without heat.
“In the event of shelling and damage to the equipment at CHPP-5, more than 280 buildings in the Holosiivskyi district could be left without heat,” explained the Kyiv City State Administration. According to city officials, the main priority now is to ensure that tens of thousands of Kyiv residents are not left without heat next winter due to potential damage to the main infrastructure.
What Will Happen to the Area After the Heating Pipeline Is Laid
The Kyiv City State Administration assures that the removal of trees does not mean the permanent destruction of the green space. Once construction workers finish laying the heating pipeline, the area will be restored. The city promises to reclaim the area and restore its landscaping. New trees, shrubs, and other greenery are planned to be planted in place of the removed trees, where building codes permit.
City Hall is also considering the possibility of using large trees from municipal nurseries. These are already mature trees that, once planted, will create a fully-fledged green space more quickly than young saplings.
The Kyiv City State Administration says that thanks to this approach, the area will be able to regain its familiar appearance more quickly. At the same time, a final decision on the greening efforts has yet to be finalized. The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation, together with municipal enterprises, is already working on a comprehensive plan for the site’s restoration.
Residents are to be involved in the restoration
City officials have stated that they plan to involve the residents of Teremky themselves in discussions about the area’s future. They also intend to involve civic organizations and experts in the process. In other words, once construction is complete, the city plans not only to replant the trees but also to discuss what the space should look like overall.
Possible proposals include planting new trees—particularly large ones—creating a recreational area, and establishing nature trails and perennial flower beds. Modern landscaping elements and nature-oriented solutions are also being considered. “The city is open to proposals regarding the planting of new trees, including large ones, the creation of recreational areas, and the development of nature trails and perennial flower beds,” the Kyiv City State Administration noted. This way, residents of the district will be able to influence what the area will look like once construction is complete.
Why People Were Outraged
Despite the city authorities’ explanations, the situation sparked a strong reaction from the community. For Teremky residents, the trees near their homes are not just part of the area that can be temporarily removed during construction. People are concerned that once the trees are cut down, the green space may be altered forever. That is why local residents organized small protests and pickets right at the construction site.
They demanded public explanations from city officials regarding the construction, the number of trees planned for removal, and the future restoration of the area. It is important for the community not only to hear promises about new plantings but also to see a concrete plan. Specifically, this involves details on how many trees will be planted after the work is completed, exactly where they will be located, and when the area will be restored.
The Kyiv City State Administration urged people not to spread unverified information
The city administration, for its part, urged people not to jump to conclusions regarding the work in Teremky. “We ask that you refrain from speculating on this topic and from spreading manipulative or unverified information,” the Kyiv City State Administration stated.
City officials emphasize that this involves the implementation of an infrastructure project designed to improve the resilience of Kyiv’s heating system. At the same time, they acknowledge the need to restore the green space once the work is completed.
In fact, the city is currently trying to address two challenges at once. The first is to prepare Teremky for potential heating supply issues caused by Russian attacks. The second is to restore the area to its normal appearance after construction and compensate for the removal of greenery.
What is known at this time
Construction of a backup heating main is continuing in Teremky, for which some trees had to be removed. The Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) states that this is a necessary step to implement the project, which is intended to provide an alternative heat source for residential areas. According to city officials, if Thermal Power Plant No. 5 is damaged, more than 280 buildings in the Holosiivskyi district could be left without heat. The new network should allow for the rapid switching of consumers to an alternative heat source.
Once the work is completed, the area will be reclaimed and restored. The city plans to plant new trees and shrubs and is also considering the creation of a recreational area, nature trails, and other landscaping features. However, the final design of the area has not yet been determined. The city plans to involve Teremky residents, the public, and experts in the discussion.
Therefore, the issue of the trees in Teremky remains a sensitive one for the community. The city explains the removal of the trees as necessary to protect the neighborhood from potential heating disruptions, while residents expect that, once the work is completed, the promises to restore the green space will indeed be fulfilled. This is reported on the website of the Kyiv City State Administration.
The situation surrounding the construction of the main heating network through Teremky Park is gaining increasing attention.
