Agriculture Minister Warns Lake Sapanca Drought Could Leave Kocaeli and Sakarya Without Water

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli introduced the Lake Sapanca Action Plan at a meeting held at Adapazari Culture Center at 14:00. The plan aims to protect and sustainably manage the lake.

Yumakli warned that if Lake Sapanca worsens from its current condition, Kocaeli and Sakarya will face serious water shortage. He stressed that the lake is critical for drinking and usable water in the region.

“We have talked enough. Let us implement now.”

The minister said Turkey's annual available water per capita has dropped to 1,297 cubic meters, placing the country under water stress. He cited irregular rainfall, drought, floods and flash floods linked to climate change as increasing pressure on water resources.

Yumakli noted that some parts of the action plan have already begun implementation. The plan includes water security and efficiency, protection of the lake ecosystem, and data-based artificial intelligence-supported decision mechanisms.

The meeting was attended by Kocaeli Governor Ilhami Aktas, Sakarya Governor Rahmi Dogan, Kocaeli Mayor Tahir Buyukakin, Sakarya Mayor Yusuf Alemdar, AK Party Deputy Chairman Hulya Tergioglu, Su Management General Manager Afire Sever, lawmakers, district mayors and many protocol members.

Yumakli also referred to the flood disaster in Sakarya and said preparations must be made before disasters strike. He concluded his speech with the words "We have talked enough. Let us implement now."