Threat of drying up looms over Turkey's second-largest freshwater lake, warns MP

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An opposition deputy representing Isparta has taken the issue of the impending desiccation of Lake Eğirdir to the parliamentary agenda.

Situated within the borders of the southwestern province of Isparta, Lake Eğirdir stands as the country's second-largest freshwater lake, boasting remarkable natural beauty.

Last month, the lake's water level was measured at 915 centimeters, about 40 centimeters lower than the same period of the previous year.

In addition to agricultural irrigation, water from Lake Eğirdir is also used to meet the drinking water needs of the city center.

Under the special provisions for the protection of Lake Eğirdir by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, no water usage is allowed from the lake if the water level falls below 908 centimeters.

Republican People's Party (CHP) MP Hikmet Yalim Halıcı submitted a parliamentary investigation proposal to, noting that the lake has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change as a "Naturally Protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" and a "Sustainable Conservation and Controlled Use Area."

"Unregulated irrigation"

Of utmost importance, Halıcı's research proposal highlights the following points:

"Lake Eğirdir holds strategic and vital importance as it serves as Turkey's second-largest freshwater source and a natural drinking water reservoir, meeting the needs of the Lake Region in terms of drinking water, domestic water supply, and agricultural irrigation."

"Unfortunately, this invaluable and fertile basin, with its unrivaled natural beauty and rich biodiversity, is now facing the threat of drying up due to uncontrolled and uninformed practices. These include unregulated irrigation methods, transporting water over long distances through unmonitored open channels, and the construction of numerous reservoirs, dams, and hydroelectric power plants that disrupt the natural flow of water into the basin."

Halıcı warned that unless immediate action is taken, the picturesque Lake Eğirdir and its basin will cease to exist.

"Protecting the lake and its basin is not only an obligation to our fellow citizens but also a debt we owe to humanity, in accordance with the World Heritage Convention to which we are signatories. It is crucial to pass on this natural wonder to future generations and preserve it as a testament to our shared heritage." (TY/VK)