Infowelat Enformasyon Ji Bo Welat
Gotarên Têkildar
Environmental activists and local residents warn that continued exploitation could lead to irreversible damage to one of Kurdistan’s most significant natural areas.
Expanding mining and oil drilling operations in the Gabar Mountain, located in north Kurdistan, have reached alarming levels, sparking widespread environmental concerns.
The extensive use of explosives for extraction activities is destroying fragile ecosystems and threatening endangered species. Large quantities of dynamite are being used, causing severe damage to both land and water resources. According to local sources, explosions have polluted underground water reserves and forced wildlife to flee their habitats.
Wildlife Forced to Flee
New footage captured by a local citizen shows a bear fleeing from its natural habitat, highlighting the immediate impact of these activities. Additional photos reveal widespread destruction caused by drilling and mining operations, as well as large piles of logs stacked along roadsides awaiting shipment.
Gabar Mountain is known for its rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic plant species and vast forested areas. For decades, it has also served as a strategic guerrilla base in the Botan region.
Rapid Expansion of Oil Operations
Oil was discovered in the Gabar Mountains in 2023, and drilling operations quickly accelerated. Currently, there are 97 active oil wells producing approximately 80,000 barrels per day. The Turkish state aims to increase daily production to 100,000 barrels by expanding the number of wells to 140.
In addition to drilling, massive infrastructure projects are underway. The Turkish state has already constructed 300 kilometers of roads across the mountain and plans to expand the network to 600 kilometers, further fragmenting the region’s delicate ecosystems.
Environmental activists and local residents warn that continued exploitation could lead to irreversible damage to one of Kurdistan’s most significant natural areas.
Infowelat
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Photo: A footage of a mining operation in Gabar Mountain
