TZOB Chairman Bayraktar calls for 'national mobilization'

Bayraktar made a statement regarding the effects of climate change, drought and environmental pollution on water resources.

Bayraktar noted that increasing pollution and decreasing rainfall threaten agricultural production and living life, and noted that scientific studies have shown that more than 3 billion people will experience water scarcity in the coming years.

Bayraktar pointed out that the amount of usable water per capita is decreasing each year due to population growth, saying, "Our water resources are being damaged by human activities in our country. In this period when we are experiencing drought and our need for water is increasing daily, protecting our existing water resources is of vital importance. Unfortunately, industrial waste released into nature without treatment or with inadequate treatment is polluting our streams and groundwater."

"PROTECTING RESOURCES IS A NATIONAL ISSUE"

Bayraktar stated that they were deeply saddened by the pollution of the Mudurnu Stream with toxic factory waste, adding that animals were poisoned and agricultural lands were polluted as a result of this incident.

Bayraktar, reminding that the toxic waters reaching the sea through the Sakarya River also harm marine life, stated that the necessary legal and administrative procedures were initiated following the incident, that the company that dumped its toxic waste in the region was shut down until it met the legal requirements, and that another company was also imposed an administrative fine.

Bayraktar emphasized that protecting resources is a national issue and noted:

To prevent this tragic incident in the Mudurnu Stream from happening again, we must permanently resolve the issue. If we want to protect our natural resources and leave a livable environment for future generations, we must prioritize environmental issues and make them a national issue. Let's launch a national mobilization for a clean environment. Polluted air, water, and soil have reached levels that threaten not only the environment but all living things. Let's tighten controls on this issue. Let's impose severe sanctions and deterrent penalties on those who release toxic waste into the environment, which mixes with the water we drink and the air we breathe. Let's not forget that protecting the environment means protecting life. We conveyed this issue to our President in a letter, requesting permanent sanctions. Our efforts are also continuing with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.