The expected survey results are in: Istanbul residents do not want Kanal Istanbul! Here is why

The Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA), affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), has shared the results of its public opinion survey regarding the Kanal İstanbul Project. In a statement made via social media, it was noted that Istanbul residents were asked for their views on the project.

According to the research, 77.2% of citizens stated that they do not support the Kanal İstanbul Project. It was revealed that only 22.8% of the population views the project positively.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE, EARTHQUAKE FEARS, AND RENT-SEEKING CONCERNS

The reasons given by those opposed to the project are striking. According to the survey results:

53.8% of participants stated that Kanal İstanbul would lead to environmental destruction.

39.1% are of the opinion that the project would increase earthquake risk.

31.2% argued that they do not see the project as a necessity, but rather that it is planned to create new areas for rent-seeking in the city.

IPA: THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE MUST BE HEARD

In their statement, Istanbul Planning Agency officials said, "The will of the public must absolutely be taken into account in projects like Kanal İstanbul that will fundamentally affect the future of Istanbul." Emphasizing the principle of participatory democracy, the IPA reiterated that decisions regarding the city should be made transparently and with public participation.

IBB HAD PREVIOUSLY OPPOSED IT AS WELL

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has opposed the Kanal İstanbul Project in the past and described the project as a "betrayal of Istanbul." Warning about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the project, the IBB had argued that the views of scientists and urban planners were being ignored.