Imamoglu's harsh criticism of environmental issues: If we remain silent today, we will not be able to survive

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu drew attention to environmental issues occurring across Turkey in a post on his social media account. Emphasizing the state of forest fires and water resources in particular, Imamoglu stated that the Kanal Istanbul project would harm nature.

IMM Mayor Imamoglu said, "Forest fires across Turkey have burned our lungs. Thousands of hectares of forest have been destroyed along with the living creatures within them. What we are experiencing is certainly not a coincidence. All of it is the result of the climate crisis, reckless intervention in nature, and worst of all, an incompetent administration that cannot understand this ecological change."

Stating that Istanbul's water resources are in danger, Imamoglu said, "Lakes are drying up, cities are facing water shortages, and our forests are burning. But unfortunately, a project that is far from science, nature, and humanity, and focused solely on rent, is still being imposed on Istanbul: The Concrete Canal!"

Ekrem Imamoglu stated that the Kanal Istanbul project would destroy agricultural and forest lands and that removing the drinking water status of the Sazlidere Dam was a major mistake. "Rent-seeking has blinded them so much that they are willing to risk the destruction of 136 million square meters of agricultural and forest land. Property rights and title deed rights can be disregarded for a handful of people," he said.

Finally, Imamoglu concluded his remarks by saying, "The government is sacrificing Istanbul's water resources, forests, soil, and future for the sake of rent. But we will stand firm like a rock against the Concrete Canal. Because if we remain silent today, we will not be able to find water tomorrow, we will not be able to survive."