Million Lira Fine for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Over Mogan Lake Pollution
Ankara, May 20 – The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has taken action following allegations, brought to light by Hürriyet Ankara, that sewage water was mixing with Mogan Lake. Investigations confirmed that wastewater was being discharged into the lake via a stormwater line, leading to a 1.67 million Turkish Lira fine for the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB). A criminal complaint has also been filed against those responsible.
Wastewater Discharge Detected
Following Hürriyet Ankara’s report on the alleged contamination of Mogan Lake with sewage, teams from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change conducted an inspection of the lake. It was determined that wastewater was being discharged into Mogan Lake through a stormwater line located next to the Mogan Park tennis courts, which are under the jurisdiction of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. The investigation revealed that wastewater generated during bridge construction in Gölbaşı’s Hacılar neighborhood was being connected to the stormwater line and discharged into Mogan Lake without prior treatment.
Double Penalty for Protected Area Violation
Due to Mogan Lake’s status as a Special Environmental Protection Area, a double penalty was imposed on the ABB, resulting in an administrative fine of 1,678,000 Turkish Liras. Furthermore, a criminal complaint has been filed with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against the individuals responsible for the pollution.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change shared details of the incident on its social media account, stating: “During inspections carried out by our Ministry teams, it was determined that wastewater generated during bridge construction in Ankara’s Gölbaşı district, Hacılar neighborhood, was being connected to the stormwater line and discharged into Mogan Lake without treatment. Under the Environmental Law, due to the lake’s status as a Special Environmental Protection Area, a double penalty of 1,678,000 TL was imposed on the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. A criminal complaint has been filed with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against those responsible.”
Previous Cleaning Efforts and Ongoing Monitoring
It is worth noting that in previous years, Mogan Lake had been a subject of concern due to pollution and foul odors. Through the ‘Mogan Lake Sediment Cleaning Project’ carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, 3.5 million cubic meters of bottom sediment were removed from the lake. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change continues its inspections of the lake within the boundaries of the Special Environmental Protection Area.
Video of Contamination Sparked Outrage
A video recorded by Arif Uysal, a resident of Gölbaşı, showing ‘sewage waste’ in Mogan Lake, which was brought to the public’s attention by Hürriyet Ankara, caused significant public outcry on May 16, 2026. Uysal highlighted the presence of paper and waste in the water flowing into the lake, commenting, “It’s a shame for this lake.” Selim Akceylan, the AK Party Gölbaşı District Chairman, stated that technical investigations had been initiated and that they would follow the process closely, adding, “We will never allow our common heritage, Mogan Lake, to be polluted again.”
ABB’s Statement: Temporary Discharge During Infrastructure Works
The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) issued a statement regarding the issue: “It has become necessary to make a statement to accurately inform the public regarding the environmental fine imposed on the ASKİ General Directorate by the Ankara Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change on the grounds of wastewater discharge into Mogan Lake. In the region in question, infrastructure construction works are ongoing by our ASKİ General Directorate to renew the insufficient stormwater infrastructure lines. During the manufacturing process in question, the stormwater infrastructure was temporarily discharged; after inspections carried out by the Provincial Directorate teams, the necessary repairs and arrangements were completed promptly. The relevant institution was regularly informed throughout the process. Currently, there is no discharge into Mogan Lake in any way.”
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting natural resources and the importance of stringent environmental regulations, especially in specially protected areas. The actions taken by the Ministry highlight the government’s commitment to preserving environmental integrity and holding responsible parties accountable for ecological damage.
Further details and full statistical data regarding the environmental impact and long-term consequences of this incident are expected to be released by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in the coming weeks.
