Construction in Validebağ Grove, a 1st-degree natural protected area located in Üsküdar, Istanbul, was protested by the Validebağ Volunteers Association. Association members and local residents called on the authorized institutions, arguing that the practices carried out in the grove are unlawful.
Speaking at the protest, Neşe Şahna, President of the Validebağ Volunteers Association, stated that both the association and local residents have filed lawsuits to protect the grove. Şahna said that the work in the area should be shared with the public transparently.
Şahna said, "We write to the board about every kind of illegality we see here. The board sends us positive responses, saying 'you are right,' and they also send these to the Provincial Directorate of National Education or whoever the allocated area belongs to, and they just stay there. Not only do they not listen to us, but they also do not implement the board's decisions."
Claiming that work is being carried out in the grove under the name of an "earthquake preparedness project" but that its content has not been disclosed, Şahna stated, "These things need to be open to the public; they are not secrets. In a place that belongs to us, boards or institutions are hiding information from us."
Arguing that there are unlicensed and unauthorized structures in the area other than the registered building, Şahna explained that they have encountered concrete construction and kiosk arrangements with the opening of previously closed sections. Reminding that the grove has been a protected area since 1999, Şahna emphasized that they are against the expansion of existing structures.
The YENİ Party Üsküdar District organization also supported the protest. District President Onur Cingil stated that they have been fighting for Validebağ for approximately 25 years, noting that the grove is a 360-decare area and is located on migratory bird routes.
Cingil criticized the usage patterns around the Adile Sultan Pavilion and the expansions in the kiosk area, stating that it should be questioned whether there is permission from the relevant conservation boards. Saying, "We say Validebağ is a grove and it will remain a grove," Cingil noted that they will continue to pursue legal avenues.
News Source: 12punto
