Drought risks high for Turkey’s basins, expert urges action
Turkeyâs Chamber of Environmental Engineers (TMMOB) chair Baran BozoÄlu has said the current hydrological drought in the Konya Basinâs aquifers will be seen in other parts of the country if the necessary measures to combat the issue are not taken.
âThese drought problems [in Konya] are realities we cannot ignore. This is why we have to reconsider some of the âcrazy [construction] projects,ââ said BozoÄlu.
Recalling the recent statement by the Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel EroÄlu that the Konya basin, which is also used to irrigate the central Anatolian lowlands, which are the largest in Turkey, has formally entered a hydrological drought, BozoÄlu said EroÄluâs statement is testament to how worrying the current water problem is.
âWater savings should be called on in all cities around the country. An urgent action plan against the drought should be established and it should be shared with the public,â BozoÄlu said, adding that warnings of a potential drought were given during the winter.
âThe water levels have decreased more than seven times [than the average level] in the Kızılırmak River. The water levels decreased in Sapanca Lake and Eymir Lake while the Sakarya River is facing a drought. Many academic researchers have been presenting these potential drought problems for many years. Despite all the signs, no measures have been taken [to tackle the issue] and the hydroelectric power plant projects, which contribute to the water problem, are increasing,â BozoÄlu added.
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