Let no urbanization around third bridge, CHP suggests

ISTANBUL

Urbanization should not be permitted in the vicinity of Istanbul’s recently opened third bridge in order to protect what nature remains in the area, according to the main opposition Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP).

CHP Istanbul MP Gürsel Tekin has submitted a legislative proposal to declare the area surrounding the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge as a first degree protected zone, Doğan News Agency reported Sept. 18.

“The forests that were destroyed for the construction of the third bridge were home to several species of animals,” the justification for the proposal read, adding that the natural resources for humans and animals were harmed during the process.

“The hills that were green a couple of years ago are now barren lands. The ecosystem was harmed because of the trees that were cut, the water started to become contaminated and the carbon coming out of the cars have started to mix into the water that we’ve been using,” the proposal also read. 

The construction of the third bridge sparked great controversy in Turkey due to the large amount of trees that were cut during the process. 

Some 75 percent of the route leading to the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge consists of trees and water basins, Gürsel said.

“In the last remaining large natural area in the city, they are seeking to play with our [collective] lungs,” Gürsel said, adding that in order to prevent further damage to the area, no urbanization should be allowed around the third bridge “while there is still time.”