Ministry Links Water Use in Wetlands to Permits
· Google Haberler
A new regulation published in the Official Gazette has made water withdrawal from wetlands subject to permits, while prohibiting the opening of new agricultural areas on public lands within conservation zones.
Permit Era for Wetlands
The Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Protection of Wetlands, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has been published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. Within the scope of the new regulation, all users wishing to draw water from wetlands or from sources, rivers, and streams feeding these areas are now required to obtain a permit. Furthermore, it has been stipulated that the environmental flow rate, calculated by the Directorate General of Nature Conservation and National Parks, must be released into the riverbeds for irrigation, energy, and drinking water structures located on permanent or seasonal rivers.
New Rules for Agricultural Production
With the published regulation, very critical restrictions on agricultural production and land use have been implemented. No new agricultural areas can be opened on lands under public ownership within areas declared as wetland conservation zones. On privately owned parcels, only certified organic farming and seaweed production will be allowed, provided that certain conditions are met. At the same time, opening new water wells in wetland basins has been made subject to very strict supervision and conditions.
Two-Year Period for Water Structures
The regulation introduces important transitional provisions for private sector representatives operating irrigation and energy facilities. Water structures for energy, drinking water, and irrigation purposes commissioned after January 30, 2002, are required to apply to the relevant Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks within two years to obtain a permit. The permits to be issued will be valid for 5 years, and administrative sanctions will be applied to businesses that do not apply within the period.
Critical Level in Lake Sapanca
As the new legislation comes into effect, drought pressure is increasing on Lake Sapanca, the region's most critical water source. Due to rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and intensive water consumption, the water level of Lake Sapanca has dropped to 29.67 meters according to the latest measurements, falling below the critical limit of 30 meters. This drop in water level seriously threatens both agricultural and urban water supply, as well as the continuity of the lake ecosystem.
Occupancy Declined at Akçay Dam
A similar water loss is observed at Akçay Dam, which reflects the general state of water reserves in Sakarya. The occupancy rate at the dam has reportedly fallen to 73.58 percent. Rising evaporation rates during the summer months and increased water consumption are escalating the pressure on water resources. Experts assess that if the expected rainfall in the autumn and winter months does not materialize, serious problems may arise in the feeding of surface and groundwater resources.
Comprehensive Modeling for the Lake Basin
The Directorate General of State Hydraulic Works, Department of Groundwater, has launched a comprehensive scientific management project that will last 750 days to protect the future of Lake Sapanca. The Sapanca Lake Sub-Basin, covering approximately 300 square kilometers within the borders of Sakarya and Kocaeli, will be examined through numerical modeling. Through the project, all groundwater and surface water budgets feeding the lake will be determined, and sustainable management strategies will be established against changing climate conditions.