Villagers resist solar plant project on pasture land in Amed countryside

In Diyarbakır (Amed)’s Sur district, the struggle launched against the ZENKAR-1 Solar Power Plant project planned on pasture land in Kervanpınar (Arzoxli) village continues. While the area where the project is planned has been closed off by gendarmerie forces, villagers objected to the situation.

Villagers spoke to ANF, saying that pasture lands are vital for livestock breeding and demanded that the project be canceled. Residents of the village stated that their livelihoods largely depend on animal husbandry and that the loss of their pastures would cause severe economic devastation.

Pasture lands are vital for us

Veysi Güger said that pasture lands are of vital importance for the village and noted that most of the residents live under difficult economic conditions. Güger said: “We raise livestock here. We are all poor financially; most of us work in construction in Istanbul and Izmir. We buy a few calves, cattle or sheep and make our living from them. These panels are being built right next to the village. Our animals graze here. If they build it somewhere far away, we would not object. But if it is built here, we will not be able to graze our animals and our livelihood will come to an end.”

Güger also drew attention to animal deaths, saying that the narrowing of pasture lands makes it difficult for animals to access water and has led to losses.

We do not want this project

Hasan Eren said that the entire village opposes the project. Eren also said: “No one wants it. This project will harm livestock farming. Our peace is being disturbed. There will be no livestock left. As villagers, we are rightfully against this project. We will continue our struggle until this project is stopped.”

Pasture lands are being handed over to companies

Mehmetcan Kele also reacted to the allocation of pasture lands to companies and said: “These pastures belong to the villagers; we have been using them for hundreds of years. The villagers have no benefit from this project. It is only seventy meters from the nearest residence. Temperatures will increase, and our agricultural lands may be damaged. This is a rent-driven project. As villagers, we oppose it, and we will do whatever we can.”