CHP lawmakers warn of rising forest fire damage and open‑pit mining threats in Turkey

Bursa MP Orhan Sarıbal of the CHP highlighted a sharp increase in forest fire risk across Turkey, citing the General Directorate of Forestry’s data that 3,224 fires in 2025 damaged 81,473 hectares of forest. He noted that climate factors, dry conditions and inadequate preventive measures contribute to the surge, and warned that many fires’ causes remain unidentified. Sarıbal stressed that while public vigilance is important, “the real burden lies with public institutions’ preparation and preventive work,” urging stronger pre‑fire actions.

Konya MP Barış Bektaş, also of the CHP, brought the issue of an open‑pit mining project in Sarayönü’s Kurşunlu and Bahçesaray neighborhoods to the parliament. He argued the project, approved without an environmental impact assessment, threatens water sources, agricultural lands and forest areas. Bektaş called for the project’s cancellation, stating, “Protecting the villagers’ land, water and future is the state’s fundamental duty.” Both lawmakers demanded stricter environmental oversight and policy changes to safeguard Turkey’s natural resources.