Antalya Metropolitan Municipality will implement the 'Boğaçayı Flood Prevention and Recreation Area Project' as a protective measure against the major floods and floods experienced in the past in Boğaçayı. Boğaçayı Scientific Board held an evaluation meeting and field investigation regarding the project covering stream improvement and living spaces planned in an approximately 1200 meter long area north of the Boğaçayı bridge. Board members gave full marks to the project that does not disrupt the natural environment of Boğaçayı.
Boğaçayı Science Board, which was formed by academicians, representatives of relevant professional chambers and institutions, and experts in the field under the leadership of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, was informed about the 'Flood Prevention and Recreation Area Project' that the Metropolitan Municipality will carry out in Boğaçayı. Board members exchanged views at the meeting and then inspected Boğaçayı, where the project will be built. Board members stated that the project is a promising project suitable for Boğaçayı and natural life.
THE FIRST PROJECT DISTURBED THE ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
Making a presentation about the project to the members of the Scientific Board, Chief Advisor to the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality, Dr. Cem Oğuz stated that the public witnessed the results of the faulty project implemented in Boğaçayı by the previous administration and explained the mistakes made. Dr. Cem Oğuz said: “The first phase of the project, which was launched in 2017, was a project that was put forward with the dream of yachts and the sea entering the 750-meter section of Boğaçayı, disrupting the ecological balance. At that time, non-governmental organizations, professional chambers and scientists opposed the project. It was implemented in 750 by constructing many reinforced concrete curtains in an area of approximately 200 meters long and 2019 meters wide in Boğaçayı. Another mistake made was to carry out a 2.5 meter deep excavation in this area in order to let the sea in. "Unfortunately, with all this, the natural balance has been completely disrupted."
COASTAL EROSION, MUD, FLY AND ODOR
Explaining one by one the damages caused by the 1st Stage project to Boğaçayı, Dr. Cem Oğuz said: “The results we expected started to emerge after May 2019. Since there is no water flow in the summer months, this area turns into a pond. Aquatic vegetation and algae begin to grow. There is visual pollution. So far, we have removed 8 thousand 929 tons of aquatic grass and 62 tons of physical waste here. Some parts of the 2.5 meter depth excavated were completely filled. Erosion began on the shore because the sediment coming from above, that is, materials such as sand and gravel, did not reach the shore due to the excavation of this area. According to research by scientists in 2020, a coastal regression of up to 1.2 meters was detected. The oxygen balance in the water is disrupted. The smell started due to hydrogen sulfide accumulating at the bottom. Flies increased due to stagnant water.”
PRIORITY IS TO PREVENT FLOOD
Pointing out that Boğaçayı is a flood basin, Dr. Cem Oğuz said, “There were serious floods in 2003, 2009 and 2015. We have to take precautions against floods. The priority of the project to be carried out by our Metropolitan Municipality is to prevent floods here. Flood prevention sets will not be in the form of reinforced concrete curtains made with 1 meter deep piles, especially as in the 11st Stage. The embankment will be built with natural stone coatings determined by the State Hydraulic Works, in a manner suitable for natural life, without interfering with the stream bed, that is, without excavation. “Living spaces will be created on top.” said.
NEW LIVING SPACE WITHOUT DISTURBING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
President Advisor City Planner Alper Gökçay gave the following information about the project planned in Boğaçayı: “A recreation area will be offered in an area of 47 thousand 300 square meters, with facilities such as green areas, bicycle and walking paths, children's playgrounds, sports fields, bird watching stations and a skate park.” will be created. The natural environment of Boğaçayı will not be touched. We will implement environmentally and nature-friendly practices. "There will be landscaping works with plants compatible with climate change, water and energy saving systems, solar panels in suitable areas, and electric charging stations in the parking area."
A BENEFICIAL PROJECT FOR THE CITY
Chamber of Agricultural Engineers Antalya Branch President Prof. Dr. Dursun Büyüktaş said that he believed that the project would be beneficial to Antalya and said, “We witnessed that both the flood protection and recreation project of the Metropolitan Municipality was prepared to protect the natural structure. We also had suggestions for the project. After the meeting, we toured the field. "We think it would be beneficial to organize this area in a way that preserves the natural structure," he said.
THE METROPOLITAN CITY RESOLVED OUR CONCERNS
Chamber of Geological Engineers Antalya Branch President Bayram Çeltik said, “We had 2 concerns about the last project. One is the flood problem and the other is the groundwater problem. We looked at the lands. We saw that our concerns were unfounded. All precautions have been taken by the Metropolitan Municipality here. There are no problems with flooding or groundwater. We would like to thank Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. At this point, recreation areas and parks for the public have been built here. "An extremely useful project has been prepared," he said.
WILD LIFE WILL REVIVE
Ecology and wildlife expert Ornithologist Prof. Dr. Ali Erdoğan pointed out that the vegetation around the basin is a suitable area for birds and said, “With the project, we will work on what we can do for the wildlife and migratory birds here.
We will increase the bird activity here and ensure that it is a place where bird watchers and photographers can work comfortably. Birds love to be in places like this, especially during the spring migration period. There will be a serious migration movement here too. "There will be beautiful images, especially during that period," he said.
PROMISING
Antalya Chamber of City Planners Branch President Funda Yörük stated that they did not see the mistakes made in the 1st Stage in the new project of the Metropolitan Municipality and said: “It was hopeful for us that in the flood project conveyed to us, the dam stones would be made of natural stones, not concrete. "The most important thing in the new project is to preserve its natural structure, taking into account that the living creature here is not only human, and other living creatures will also be carefully protected."
