The proposed expansion of the hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) on the Tağar Stream in Dersim’s Çemişgezek district has sparked significant opposition in Turkey, raising serious concerns about environmental degradation and its impact on local wildlife, historical sites and the community.
The controversial project, which involves increasing the capacity of the existing HEPP and building a new regulator, has attracted considerable criticism from a variety of sources. Critics argue that the development poses a serious threat to the region’s fragile ecosystem, which is home to numerous endangered species and significant cultural heritage.
Kurdish artist Mikaîl Aslan has spoken out strongly against the project, using social media to voice his concerns. Aslan said: “The HEPP project on the Tağar Stream will bring no benefit to you, your children or the heritage of humanity. The damage caused by this project will be enormous, not only destroying historical structures, but also polluting the last river where the children of Çemişgezek could swim. We must raise our voices to prevent the destruction of this magnificent stream and its historical sites.”
The Çemişgezek Environmental Platform has raised the alarm about the potential environmental disaster. They have highlighted the historical significance of the Yusuf Ziya Paşa Bridge, an Ottoman-era structure close to the site, and warned of irreversible damage to this and other landmarks. Despite previous complaints, they report no significant action by the authorities and call for the project to be stopped and for the valley to be protected.
Lawyer Barış Yıldırım, representing the Environment and Urban Law Commission of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, has formally petitioned the Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation and filed a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Yıldırım pointed out that the project violates legal requirements, in particular the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before construction begins. He said: “Construction has started without a positive EIA decision, in violation of environmental laws. This illegality must be stopped immediately”.
The area around the Tağar Stream is protected under the Bern Convention and provides a habitat for species such as mountain goats and otters, which are threatened by the project. Yıldırım stressed that the proposed changes will significantly reduce the water level of the stream, making it uninhabitable for local wildlife and leading to the loss of rare species such as the spotted salamander.
Members of the Dersim Associations and other Dersim community groups in Izmir have also condemned the project. They argue that these sacred sites and natural areas, which have been preserved for centuries, are now under threat from both state and corporate interests. Gamze Yentür of the Menemen Dersim Association warned, “This project endangers the sacred sites and natural beauty of Dersim that have been preserved for generations. We oppose these destructive projects and demand that they be stopped immediately”.
The Tağar Stream project is part of a wider policy by the Turkish state to build dams and hydroelectric power plants across the wider Dersim region. This long-term strategy has always faced opposition due to its significant environmental and cultural impacts, reflecting the ongoing tension between development interests and conservation efforts.
Hasan Şen of the Munzur Protection Council condemned the HEPP project on the Tağar Stream as part of a wider trend of environmentally damaging policies driven by profit. He criticised recent legal adaptations, claiming that the project embodies ‘war law’ tactics designed to stifle democratic and legal challenges to such developments.
Meral Uç from the ‘Let the Munzur River Flow Freely’ Council has voiced strong objections to policies damaging the Dersim area. Uç highlighted that efforts are underway to construct 27 hydroelectric plants and dams in Dersim alone. Emphasising the region’s unique ecological value, Uç stated: “Dersim is home to approximately 1,600 different plant species. This natural habitat, with its diverse flora and fauna, must not be disrupted. The construction of dams and hydroelectric plants will lead to the extinction of all plant and animal life in the region. This area is crucial not only for its biodiversity but also for its cultural and medicinal plants.”
