Locals in Maraş concerned over second hydroelectric power plant on Göksu Creek

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Twelve years ago, a hydroelectric power plant was built over the Göksu creek in the Nurhak district of the southeastern Maraş province, changing the course of its stream. Despite endangering the area with drought and contradicting court decisions and expert opinions, in 2021, another hydroelectric power plant was scheduled to be built.

Zeynel Gül, head of the Nurhak and Surrounding Villages Natural Life Protection and Culture Association, said both power plants will severely impact the animal livestock, the basic livelihood for many in the area, as the power plant will cut off the water stream for 17 hours per day.
"The water cuts will negatively impact life in the streams. Especially trout lay their eggs in places where the water is clean during breeding periods. Those eggs will disappear with the current, causing damage to the fish species in the stream. The stream will also adversely impact the agricultural activities in the area. When the water is cut off daily for 17 hours, people cannot use the water for their lands."

In addition, the constructions have led to many trees being cut down and roads being built in the area. "The road built in the mountain areas has resulted in cutting trees and changed the area's topography. During the road construction, the leftover soil and stones were thrown in the riverbed, resulting in deforestation and loss of surface soil." Zeynel Gül remarks.

The second Environmental Impact Assessment (ÇED) report indicates that the second power plant should be canceled, Gül states. In case the powerplant activities continue, wild animals such as mountain goats and agricultural and animal livestock will severely impact, leading to people needing to migrate. (TY/WM/VK)