Drought risks high for Turkey’s basins, expert urges action

Erdinç ÇELİKKAN

DHA Photo

Turkey’s Chamber of Environmental Engineers (TMMOB) chair Baran Bozoğlu has said the current hydrological drought in the Konya Basin’s aquifers will be seen in other parts of the country if the necessary measures to combat the issue are not taken.

“These drought problems [in Konya] are realities we cannot ignore. This is why we have to reconsider some of the ‘crazy [construction] projects,’” said Bozoğlu.

Recalling the recent statement by the Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu 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, Bozoğlu said Eroğlu’s statement is testament to how worrying the current water problem is.

“Water 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,” Bozoğlu said, adding that warnings of a potential drought were given during the winter.

“The 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,” Bozoğlu added.