The 'toxic' water of the Düden Stream has farmers up in arms!

Farmers in the Güzeloluk neighborhood draw water from this section of the approximately 7-kilometer-long Düden Stream to irrigate their greenhouses. However, because the part of the stream that passes through the Güzeloluk neighborhood is stagnant and polluted, the farmers are facing significant difficulties. This situation has led to the destruction of some farmers' crops, while others are avoiding planting altogether. Güzeloluk Neighborhood Headman İzzet Ak stated that he had reported the situation to the authorities following complaints from farmers, and that while samples were taken from the stream, no action has been taken.

'THE WATER IS COVERED IN ALGAE AND IS NOT FLOWING'

Atalay Akbayır, stating that he and his wife Bircan have been farming for 20 years, said, "This is the first time I have experienced a season like this. We irrigate our greenhouses with water we take from this stream, along with those in the upper neighborhood. This year, my vegetables withered because the water was acidic. Previously, fish had died due to pollution in the stream; they later cleaned up the waste, but the water is covered in algae again," he said.

'I CLOSED MY GREENHOUSE'

Ramazan Kavaracı, saying he has been farming since his childhood, stated, "We gathered with fellow farmers regarding this issue. The vegetables my neighbor planted in his greenhouse were destroyed. I closed my greenhouse as well. I am afraid that my crops will be damaged due to the chlorinated water in the stream. We have been using this water for years, but we have been facing such a problem for the last two years," he said.

'I COULD NOT GROW MY PRODUCTS BECAUSE I IRRIGATED WITH DÜDEN STREAM WATER'

Ahmet Özay expressed that he could not obtain any products this year because he irrigated from the stream, and he had to close the season early. "I planted in August, but the seeds rotted. I am currently planting for the second time, but I still don't know what will happen. We have a major problem stemming from the water," he added.

'OUR FARMERS ARE SUFFERING GREAT GRIEVANCE'

Headman İzzet Ak said, "The farmers of our neighborhood have been in great anxiety for the last two months. The water coming from the Düden Stream is in a toxic state. There is a situation where we don't even know what kind of waste is in it. Many products planted by the producers have withered. While those who use boreholes do not experience problems, farmers who use the stream water are suffering serious grievances. I demand that the authorities provide support to learn the cause of this problem and to help our farmers," he said.