Eskişehir environmentalists call for green schools and oppose Alpu mining

In Eskişehir, environmental advocates and local authorities are emphasizing the need for climate resilience and environmental protection. Sadık Yurtman, President of the Eskişehir Environmental Protection and Development Association (ESÇEVDER), has called for the transformation of schools into ‘Green Schools.’ His proposal includes implementing rainwater harvesting, water management, carbon footprint education, and creating ecological school gardens to combat the impacts of the climate crisis.

Yurtman also expressed opposition to the planned Esence Gold-Silver Mine and Crushing-Sieving Plant Project in the Alpu Plain, arguing that the project threatens fertile agricultural lands, water resources, and the Porsuk River basin.

Concurrently, local authorities in the Alpu district, including the District Governorate and Municipality, have issued warnings regarding environmental cleanliness. To mitigate fire risks during hot summer months and maintain public hygiene, officials announced fines for littering. Under Law No. 4207, discarding cigarette butts can result in a 1,042 TL fine, while discarding trash in public areas under the Misdemeanor Law can incur a 564 TL fine. Combined, these violations can lead to total penalties of 1,606 TL.