Eastern Türkiye’s magnificent Turna Lake, a cherished relic from the Urartian period, is now teetering getting ready to extinction on account of scorching temperatures and extended drought. As one of many world’s oldest lakes, the serene waters of the lake, nestled between the Kozan and Erek Mountains, have regrettably dried up, leaving a void threatening each human livelihoods and the ecosystem.
Situated roughly 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Van, the two,800-year-old Turna Lake has lengthy been a treasured vacation spot for mountain and plateau tourism, attracting guests with its blossoming flowers and pristine air. Spanning 4 sq. kilometers, the lake additionally serves as an important water supply for irrigating huge agricultural lands, boasting an intricate engineering system that has stood the take a look at of time.
However, the relentless drought and hovering temperatures have taken their toll, resulting in the gradual desiccation of the lake. The space, perched at an altitude of two,550 meters above sea degree, has a water storage capability of 20 million cubic meters; the lake boasts a water assortment basin spanning 100 sq. kilometers.
The ramifications of the lake’s desiccation lengthen far past its speedy environment. The depletion of Turna Lake exacerbates the pressure on consuming water provides, imperils agricultural endeavors, disrupts plant and fish habitats, diminishes hydropower technology capabilities, and casts a pall over marine recreation and tourism. It is important to meticulously monitor water developments within the lake and determine the contributing components to its decline to tell complete water administration methods that may safe its survival.
Professor Faruk Alaeddinoğlu, a school member within the Department of Geography at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, highlighted the importance of Turna Lake within the basin, emphasizing its pivotal position in assembly the irrigation wants of the native populace. “Regrettably, with a consistent decrease in precipitation, the lake is now facing severe drought, growing drier with each passing day,” he lamented. Currently, the villagers can not fulfill their water necessities from the lake.
“Due to the lack of anticipated rainfall in the area, the lake’s water level has plummeted significantly, leading to substantial water loss across the basin,” Alaeddinoğlu added. Recognizing the gravity of the scenario, he underscored the pressing want for additional research and speedy motion to deal with the water shortage concern, significantly throughout the crucial months of July and August. The basin did obtain anticipated precipitation within the spring of 2023, albeit throughout the summer time months, which makes proactive measures all of the extra essential.
“In order to safeguard the lake from permanent disappearance, emergency measures have been implemented to replenish its waters,” defined Alaeddinoğlu. Desperate occasions name for determined measures, as authorities have resorted to pumping underground water to revive a portion of the lake’s quantity, successfully inserting the area’s delicate ecology on life assist.
The destiny of Turna Lake hangs within the steadiness as scientists, officers and native communities grapple with the mounting challenges posed by the extended drought. Urgent motion is required to deal with the water disaster and defend this historical pure marvel from fading into oblivion. The clock is ticking, and the survival of the lake now rests within the fingers of these entrusted with its preservation.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
