Deniz Baykal's daughter speaks out on 'Kanal Istanbul'! Calls those who oppose it 'lacking vision'

Aslı Baykal, daughter of former CHP leader Deniz Baykal, continues to frequently make headlines with her statements. Most recently, she drew attention with her social media post regarding "Kanal Istanbul," which is on Turkey's agenda.

Stating on her social media account that opposing the project is a lack of vision, Baykal said, "Opposing Kanal Istanbul by saying the Bosphorus is sufficient for ship traffic is as much a lack of vision as opposing the Marmaray, the bridges built over the Bosphorus, or the highways. This is not a subject to be pushed aside by being portrayed as a monster. It is a project that should be discussed with constructive criticism and, if appropriate conditions are met and, of course, financial feasibility is ensured, it should be carried out."

Claiming that those who oppose the project are "those whose strings are held by foreigners," Baykal said she finds the reaction of these segments normal. Expressing that Kanal Istanbul will provide job opportunities for young people and is an investment in Turkey's independence and future, Baykal stated, "It is a field of employment for young people who are made to chant empty slogans on the streets; it is Turkey's independence, it is an investment in Turkey's future."

EARTHQUAKE AND ENVIRONMENTAL WARNINGS FROM EXPERTS

Warnings from experts regarding the Kanal Istanbul project are coming one after another. Science Academy Founding Member Prof. Dr. Naci Görür stated that the project would increase earthquake risk, pointing out that the region between Küçükçekmece Lake and the Sea of Marmara carries danger in terms of liquefaction and landslides. Görür emphasized that the project would turn Istanbul into an island, which could complicate disaster management and lead to loss of life.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Science Board Member Prof. Dr. Haluk Eyidoğan stated that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is insufficient. Eyidoğan noted that the report lacks necessary precautions against earthquakes and tsunamis, and said that the 75 billion TL budget allocated for the project should be used for Istanbul's earthquake safety.

Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) and Science Academy Member Prof. Dr. Derin Orhon also brought up the environmental risks related to the project. Stating that Kanal Istanbul would destroy Istanbul's water resources, Orhon expressed that the TOKİ constructions around the Sazlıdere Dam, in particular, threaten the water basin. Orhon stated that the project would provide no benefit to the city and would cause serious damage to the environment.

News Source: 12punto