As the villagers’ vigil against the planned geothermal resource exploration project in Varto (Gimgim), in the district of Muş passes its third month, the court hearing the case against the project has ordered a site inspection and expert assessment.

After examining the villagers’ petition, which highlighted the damage the project could cause to the village and the surrounding area, the Bingöl Administrative Court ordered an on-site inspection of the project area. The court stated that the request for a stay of execution would be decided after the site inspection and expert report, along with the parties’ objections, had been assessed.

The villagers' objection has produced results

The villagers filed a lawsuit seeking the annulment of the “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Not Required” decision issued for the geothermal resource exploration project planned by IGNIS H2 Enerji Üretim Anonim Şirketi within the boundaries of Varto, as well as a stay of execution.

The petition stated that the environmental impacts had not been adequately assessed in the project presentation file, that the project site includes forests, pastureland and agricultural land, and that it is located in the habitat of species such as wild goats, ibex and lynx, which are protected under the European Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Natural Habitats.

The petition also stated that beekeeping, livestock farming and agricultural activities in the area would be adversely affected; that heavy metals and hydrogen sulphide that could emerge during drilling operations could cause serious and difficult-to-repair environmental damage; and that archaeological sites and immovable cultural heritage assets are located within the project area.

Decision to be taken after the site inspection

The Bingöl Administrative Court ruled that a technical assessment was necessary to resolve the dispute. The court decision stated that the project’s impact on agricultural and forest areas, groundwater resources, biodiversity, wildlife, flora and fauna would be examined on site by expert assessors.

The decision also stated that the experts would assess whether the measures envisaged in the project presentation file to address environmental risks are scientifically and technically adequate, and would investigate whether, in view of the project’s environmental impacts, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is required. Following the decision, a site inspection is expected to take place in the coming days, while the vigil in the area continues on its 96th day.

Aslan Turan, one of the residents continuing the vigil, said that the region’s natural environment and livelihoods must be protected. Turan said: “Our greatest demand is that our air and water be protected. We believe these projects are an attempt to depopulate the region once again. We oppose this and will not leave Varto.”

We expect the ruling to be in favor of the residents

Turan said that local people depend largely on livestock farming and beekeeping for their livelihoods, stressing that the geothermal project would affect not only a few villages but the entire region. Pointing out that the local population had organised itself to oppose the project, Turan said: “We want clean nature and clean air. Implementing this project means damaging nature, water and living organisms. Many villages were previously emptied because of dams that were built, but this brought no benefit to the people. We will not hand nature over to capital. We will continue our struggle to protect our future.”

Nature is a legacy for the future

Aslan Turan said that everyone should raise their voice against such projects and support the resistance, adding that they were awaiting the site inspection and that the ruling should be in favour of the villagers.

Turan said: “It is not only the people of Varto who need to stand up for this resistance; everyone needs to support it. They must protect the lands where they live and their habitats. Varto should set an example for everyone in this regard. We will remain here until we achieve victory. We want to leave these lands clean for our children and for future generations.”

https://english.anf-news.com/ecology/vigil-against-the-geothermal-power-plant-in-varto-enters-its-102nd-day-86720