ANKARA, (DHA) – The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has levied a fine of 2 million 98 thousand Turkish Liras (TL) against the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (ASKİ) for pollution detected in a drinking water basin.
Pollution Detected in Gerede Drinking Water Basin
According to a statement released by the Ministry, inspections conducted by the Bolu Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change revealed overflows from the wastewater collector line belonging to ASKİ’s Gerede Wastewater Treatment Plant. These overflows were identified in the Yazıkara, Üçpınar, and Ümit village areas.
As a result of these overflows, untreated wastewater was found to have mixed with the Gerede Işıklı Regulator Basin, which supplies drinking water to Ankara. This discovery led to the significant penalty imposed on ASKİ.
Administrative Fine and Criminal Complaint Filed
The administrative fine of 2 million 98 thousand TL was issued to the ASKİ General Directorate under the scope of the Environmental Law. In addition to the financial penalty, a criminal complaint has been filed with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against those responsible for the pollution.
The incident highlights the critical importance of proper wastewater management and the protection of drinking water sources. Authorities are taking strict measures to ensure environmental compliance and safeguard public health.
Further investigations are expected to determine the full extent of the environmental damage and to implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences of such pollution.
