A proposal to save Istanbul

The irresistible charm of rent has steadily increased the amount of land in Istanbul zoned for housing, construction and the human population.

If necessary precautions are not taken quickly, the existing forest assets will never be enough for a healthy life. The risk of natural disasters stemming from pollution, droughts and floods will only increase.

Rapidly advancing urbanization and the city's ever-rising population has massively increased pressure on the water basins and military fields that have up to now not been zoned for construction. But neither "landscaping plans" nor "development planning laws" can eliminate the relevant pressure.

For a more livable Istanbul, it is clear that restrictions on construction on water basins and military fields must be secured.

To achieve this, the relevant areas should be completely forested and registered with the necessary forest qualifications, regardless of the land's ownership.

Such measures would almost amount to "revenge" on forest destruction, which has gone on for many years. The threatened forested grounds to the north of the city would be protected and a significant increase in the amount of active green areas per capita will be gained across the province. Expectations for rents from out-of-control construction will be ended, and the risk of disasters stemming from the destruction of the natural environment will decrease. 

In short, Istanbul would be saved.

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