Locals form human chain to protest power plant plans in Turkey’s Eskişehir

ESKİŞEHİR – Doğan News Agency

A group of locals formed a human chain in the western city of Eskişehir on Jan. 30 to protest plans to build a coal-fired power plant on a lowland in the Alpu district of the Eskişehir province.

The locals met at the Porsuk Avenue of the İstiklal neighborhood after calls were made on social media sites. They then held hands and formed a human chain wearing operating room masks. Among the protestors were main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) lawmaker Utku Çakırözer and CHP Odunpazı district mayor Kazım Kurt.

“We have gathered together to protect our right to nature and life. If a coal-fired power plant is established here, it would seriously damage Eskişehir’s tourism, sepiolite [production], air, water, brand value and economy. Everyone should be aware of the risks of coal-fired power plants,” Odunpazarı City Council Head İsmail Kumru said.

Following the speeches, the crowd clapped hands and then dispersed.