The border is surrounded by ‘security dams’

2019-06-26 13:19:39


	NEWS CENTER - Dozens of high-cost dams that will swallow historic Hasankeyf are under construction in the region. Although it is stated that the dams that surround the borders are made under the name of “energy and irrigation", the actual aim is "security".The fact that the construction work of the dams are being given to AKP supporters attracts attention.

	 

	Within the scope of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), approximately 50 dams and hydroelectric power plants (HEPPs) have been constructed under the name “energy and irrigation". New dams and HEPPs have been added in recent years. In particular, numerous dams and HEPPs are under construction at the zero point of the borders in the region. Although the construction of 30 dams and HEPPs which are at the border continues under the name of “energy and irrigation', it is known that the aim of these dams are 'security' more than 'energy and irrigation'.

	 

	All these projects are often subject to public reaction since the dams in Bingöl, Şırnak, Hakkari, Batman, Mardin, Diyarbakır and Dersim will be directly affect both the historical sites and the settlement areas, endemic plant species and ecosystems in the region. Veysel Eroğlu, the Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs of the AKP government between 2011-2018, stated that the number of active hydroelectric power plants is 333, the number of HEPPs being continued by private sector is 237 and 924 private companies have been signed up to date.

	 

	 

	With the completion of the dams, the deep valleys along the border from Uludere to Çukurca are planned to be filled with water. While water is being held in many dams, the dams are made for “security" rather than 'energy and irrigation'.While many villages will be flooded as well in the region, one of the objectives of the dams seems to be dehumanization of the region.