Construction in a forest area in İskele has been halted following residents’ complaints

Construction works that had begun in a forest area in the İskele region were halted following appeals from citizens. This was stated by Feriha Tel, Chair of the “Yeşil Barış Hareketi” movement.

According to her, after receiving the complaints, the organization contacted the Forestry Department, which decided to suspend the construction. According to official data from the department, tree felling is prohibited on the leased territory; however, despite this, approximately 10 dönüms (about 10,000 square meters) of forest area have already been destroyed.

Feriha Tel emphasized that forest lands are state property and are not subject to leasing. In her opinion, the very fact of leasing such a plot, as well as the terms of the contract, contradict the legislation. She stated that the minister does not have the authority to dispose of forest lands in such a manner, and that the responsible authorities have committed serious violations.

The head of the movement also criticized the minister’s statement made from the parliamentary rostrum that the land had been leased “for recreational purposes,” calling such wording unacceptable.