Strict order from Istanbul Governor Davut Gül: Structures in the riverbed will be demolished

Strict order from Istanbul Governor Davut Gül: Structures in the riverbed will be demolished

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül has announced that decisive steps are being taken regarding structures that encroach upon riverbeds and pose a flood risk within the city. Within the scope of the works intensifying particularly in the Ayazağa region, it was reported that buildings located on the riverbed are being evacuated and the demolition process has begun.

It was noted that a Qur'an course, various commercial properties, and shops determined to remain inside the riverbed in the Sarıyer district have also been included in the demolition plan. Authorities emphasized that these structures both pose a danger to human life and pave the way for flood disasters by obstructing the natural flow.

The heavy rains recently observed in Istanbul have once again brought to light how dangerous it is to open riverbeds to construction or to make interventions in these areas. The Governor's Office stated that inspections in risky regions will be strengthened to prevent similar disasters.

It was noted that the processes regarding property owners in the region after the demolition decisions will also be carried out within a legal framework. It was emphasized that the efforts to clear and reclaim riverbeds from occupation on an Istanbul-wide scale are of critical importance in terms of urban planning and disaster management.