Northern Forests in Çatalca under threat: 41 thousand trees to be sacrificed for quarry expansion
The expansion of a sand quarry in Çatalca risks destroying over 41 thousand trees around the Terkos Dam, considered the lifeblood of the Northern Forests. İSKİ and ecology experts are strongly opposing the project.
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Protected forest areas located in the north of Istanbul are under threat from a new sand quarry expansion project. The project by Karanfil Mining to expand its sand quarry in Çatalca to an area of nearly 165 › 99 hectares has entered the EIA process. However, the planned steps could lead to the cutting down of 41,751 trees.
İSKİ has issued a negative opinion, stating that the project remains within the long-distance protection zone of the Terkos Dam and that streams could be put at risk, potentially damaging clean water sources.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Urban Ecological Systems Branch Directorate has also emphasized that the project requires comprehensive evaluation, pointing to ecosystem fragmentation and non-compliance with regulations.