Applications along the Kanal Istanbul route rejected by İSKİ and İGDAŞ

In a statement issued by İSKİ, it was noted that the Sazlıdere Dam, one of Istanbul's vital drinking water sources, and the surrounding drinking water basins are under threat due to the intense construction ongoing in the Baklalı, Boyalık, Dursunköy, and Sazlıbosna neighborhoods of the Arnavutköy district. It was stated that this construction violates the İSKİ Drinking Water Basins Regulation and that the matter has been referred to the relevant judicial authorities.

The 6th Administrative Court of Istanbul decided to cancel the infrastructure and zoning plans for a project located in Dursunköy neighborhood, while the 5th Administrative Court of Istanbul found the declaration of the reserve area and the 1/100,000 scale environmental plan changes related to the Kanal Istanbul Project to be unlawful and cancelled them. These decisions determined that the projects lacked scientific and technical foundations.

As a result of technical examinations conducted by İSKİ and İGDAŞ, it was determined that the projects planned in the region exceed the permitted limits in terms of population density, that stream beds have been opened for construction, and that necessary measures for the protection of treatment plants and water basins have not been taken. For these reasons, necessary measures have been taken within the framework of legal authority to ensure that Istanbul's water security is not compromised.

In an assessment made by İGDAŞ, certain new natural gas requests along the Kanal Istanbul route were examined, and these requests were denied due to the cancellation of the zoning plan. Specifically, the natural gas connection request made for the Emlak Konut GYO Yenişehir Houses Project, which is being carried out in Dursunköy neighborhood, was rejected.

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and its affiliated institutions stated that they will continue to take necessary steps within the framework of current legislation as part of their responsibility to protect Istanbul's water basins and natural resources. In this process, they invited all relevant parties to act in accordance with the legislation, to adopt a planning approach that considers ecological balance and water resources, and to respect judicial decisions.

News Source: 12punto