Ulaanbaatar has 145 fountains – some publicly and others privately owned. Apart from the pandemic, the main topic of conversation concerns the question of the mayor’s plan to build a giant fountain in the heart of the capital, and, in so doing destroy a much-loved landmark.

Mayor S.Amarsaikhan’s plan is to fully redevelop the public garden, which is located between Sukhbaatar Square and the city’s main thoroughfare, Peace Avenue. The decision has become a hot topic among the population of Ulaanbaatar, many of whom are against the development project. A famous botanist, D.Bor PhD, has said that the construction of the fountain would destroy the numerous trees planted 80 years ago and would cost MNT 15 billion.

So, does UB really need S.Amarsaikhan’s fountain?  During the summer months, there are many fountains in operation across the districts of the capital: there are 15 fountains in Khan-Uul, 26 in Bayangol, 28 in Songinokhairkhan, 34 in Bayanzurkh, 22 in Sukhbaatar, 10 in Chingeltei, 11 in Bagakhangai and three in Baganuur District of Ulaanbaatar. The jury is still out.