Türkiye unveils action plan to revitalize Egirdir Lake

Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has announced a comprehensive nine-point action plan to address the environmental degradation of Egirdir Lake, a vital water body suffering from declining water levels, algal blooms and biological pollution.

Turkish environment minister Murat Kurum confirmed the plan on social media platform X, stating, "Our action plan that will give life to our uniquely beautiful Lake Egirdir is ready. We will take all necessary steps, especially cleaning the bottom mud and adding water."

Addressing environmental challenges in lake

Egirdir Lake, designated as a "strictly protected sensitive area," has been impacted by reduced rainfall and drought in recent years, leading to a rapid decline in water levels.

In response, the Turkish environment ministry, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Conservation of Natural Assets (TVK), the Turkish Environmental Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Water Management Directorate, and various universities, has formulated an emergency intervention strategy.

The immediate focus will be on clearing algal blooms and dead aquatic plants from the lake's surface and shores. Special vehicles and equipment will be used for this purpose, followed by the removal of sediment and biomass from the lake bed.

Algal bloom and dead plants mar Egirdir Lake in Isparta, Türkiye. (DHA Phtoto)

Scientific and institutional collaboration for the Egirdir Lake

A commission, led by the TVK and including contributions from the Turkish Environmental Agency, the State Hydraulic Works (DSI), and scientific experts from Suleyman Demirel University and Isparta University of Applied Sciences, has been established to oversee the project.

Excavators from the DSI have already begun work on clearing sediment from the mouth of the Caykoy River, which feeds into Egirdir Lake. This step is crucial to improving water flow and oxygen levels in the lake, which have been compromised by the accumulation of debris.

Egirdir Lake in Isparta, Türkiye. (AA Photo)

Improving water quality and oxygen levels

To further enhance water quality, the ministry plans to review water usage policies and implement water supplementation strategies in coordination with the relevant agencies. The removal of submerged aquatic vegetation will also help increase the oxygen levels in the lake, a critical factor in restoring its ecological balance.

Kurum emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Our action plan is ready to give life to our uniquely beautiful Lake Egirdir. We will take all necessary steps, especially bottom mud cleaning and water supplementation."

Action plan for lake

1. Surface and shoreline cleaning: Removing algae and dead aquatic plants to prevent odor and pest issues.
2. Acquisition of special equipment: Procuring surface-cleaning vehicles to manage the lake’s aquatic vegetation.
3. Sediment and biomass removal: Clearing accumulated sediment and biomass from the lake bed to improve water quality.
4. Water supplementation: Reviewing and enhancing water usage plans to ensure adequate water levels in the lake.
5. Formation of a commission: Establishing a multidisciplinary commission to oversee and coordinate the restoration efforts.
6. Preliminary feasibility report: Preparing a report on the removal of sediment and aquatic plants.
7. Ecosystem impact assessment: Conducting an assessment to understand the ecological impact of the planned interventions.
8. Commencement of shoreline cleaning: Beginning the cleanup process with machinery and personnel coordinated by local authorities.
9. Continued scientific monitoring: Ensuring that all actions are guided by scientific findings to maintain high environmental standards.