Citizen Responsibility Urged Amidst Tigris River’s Great Danger
Increasing Pollution Threatens Tigris River and Its Surroundings
With rising temperatures, the Tigris River, which runs through the Hevsel Gardens in Diyarbakır, Turkey, has become a popular destination for picnickers. However, this increase in visitor numbers has led to a concerning issue – the accumulation of garbage left behind by these picnickers along the riverbanks. This waste not only poses a threat to the ecosystems of the river but also to the surrounding area.
Dr. Ahmet Kılıç, Head of the Biology Department at Dicle University’s Science Faculty, highlights the severe impact of plastic waste left after picnics on the living spaces of organisms. He emphasizes that the trash, including plastic, food containers, foam service sets, forks, and knives, remains in nature for many years, causing accumulation and disrupting the delicate balance of life cycles in the river. Aquatic creatures and their habitats are particularly affected by this pollution.
The garbage dumped in and around the Tigris River is a significant problem that needs urgent attention. Dr. Kılıç points out that this waste is actually a valuable resource, as many materials can be reused and even traded for money. To tackle this issue, he suggests that people should dispose of their garbage in designated collection boxes instead of littering the environment. By doing so, pollution can be prevented, and the opportunity to reuse these materials multiple times can be realized.
Referring to successful zero waste projects implemented in developed countries, Dr. Kılıç emphasizes that separating materials such as paper, nylon, and plastic and collecting them in separate places is crucial. Adopting such practices would significantly reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills or polluting natural environments. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of cultural practices in rural areas, where all sorts of packaging materials are reused multiple times, leading to a garbage-free environment.
Dr. Kılıç stresses that every waste item thrown into nature eventually returns to us, causing significant damage to ecosystems and visually diminishing the quality of the river. He emphasizes that all citizens have a responsibility to protect nature and should make an effort to collect and dispose of waste properly to prevent contamination. He also expresses his belief that the majority of people are already respectful and sensitive towards nature.
The increasing pollution in the Tigris River is a pressing issue that demands immediate action. By raising awareness, implementing efficient waste management systems, and encouraging responsible behavior, we can ensure the preservation of this important river and its surrounding ecosystems for present and future generations.
