Kuşdili Meadow, one of Kadıköy's last green spaces, is in danger! 7 critical questions from the DEVA Party to Minister Kurum

DEVA Party Deputy Chair and Istanbul MP Evrim Rızvanoğlu has submitted a written parliamentary question to Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum regarding the opening of Kuşdili Meadow in Kadıköy, Istanbul, to development.

Rızvanoğlu stated that the 45-decare Kuşdili Meadow, registered as a 3rd-degree natural protected area, is under threat from a zoning plan that includes five-story structures and an underground parking lot. Emphasizing that the area is located on a stream bed prone to flooding, Rızvanoğlu expressed that this initiative poses a threat to the environment and public safety.

Stating that Kuşdili Meadow is of critical importance for the urban ecosystem and biodiversity, Rızvanoğlu said that the area could be reforested and turned into an oxygen island for Kadıköy. Criticizing the Council of State's decision to open the area to development, Rızvanoğlu argued that the zoning plans are contrary to environmental sustainability and public interest. Rızvanoğlu requested that the Ministry re-evaluate the project, taking into account flood risk, air pollution, and population density.

The questions Rızvanoğlu directed to Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum are as follows:

1. At what stage is the process being carried out by your Ministry regarding the planned development and underground parking project in Kuşdili Meadow? On what grounds were the relevant zoning plan changes made; were public interest, environmental sustainability, and urban planning principles observed in these changes?

2. Despite the fact that the planning decisions were previously canceled by the relevant Administrative Court, what are the reasons for your Ministry's decision to appeal the ruling?

3. Considering that the building density and infrastructure load in Kadıköy are already high, have the effects of the zoning plan changes in question on the region's population density and air quality been evaluated?

4. While it has been scientifically proven that the area in question carries a flood risk, on what technical, geological, or environmental grounds is construction activity permitted in this region? In this context, has any Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or geological survey report been prepared?

5. While it has been determined by your Ministry's measurements that the air quality in the Kadıköy district is at a “sensitive” level, has the development project in Kuşdili Meadow been subjected to any scientific evaluation in terms of public health in line with this data? Has an analysis been conducted regarding the effects of the construction activities to be carried out in this area on air pollution?

6. Does your Ministry have a specific strategic plan for the protection of public green spaces in densely developed metropolitan cities like Istanbul? Is Kuşdili Meadow among the priority areas that should be protected within the scope of this plan?

7. In line with the demands of professional chambers, non-governmental organizations, and citizens who oppose the project in question, has a re-evaluation process regarding the project been placed on your Ministry's agenda?