The planned geothermal project in Varto district of Muş province has been legally challenged following ongoing criticism from the region. Environmental initiatives and representatives of affected villages have filed a lawsuit against the permit and are requesting an immediate halt to the work. The project is planned to be implemented in the area of the village of Xwarik. According to the operating company, the US-based IGNIS H2, initial drilling is expected to begin as early as May. The project is based on a permit previously granted by the governor’s office in Muş.
Lawsuit filed against permit
On behalf of the village residents and the Varto Ecology Platform, lawyer Barış Yıldırım filed a lawsuit at the administrative court in Bingöl. The lawsuit calls for the suspension of the permit. This is justified, among other reasons, by the potential for “irreversible damage” to the environment and livelihoods. It is also criticized that the population was not sufficiently informed about the project. It is stated that in projects with direct impacts on the environment and society, information must not be withheld.
Ecological and economic risks
The plaintiffs point out that the affected area is a habitat for protected animal species, including wild goats, wild boars, and lynxes, as well as numerous plant species. At the same time, attention is drawn to the importance of the region for local economic practices as agriculture, livestock breeding, and especially beekeeping could be significantly impacted by the project. According to the plaintiffs, implementation would considerably increase ecological pressure on the region.
Threat to water, cultural sites, and stability
Further criticism concerns potential impacts on water resources. The planned work could render both groundwater and surface water unusable. In addition, there are archaeological sites and cultural assets of the Alevi population located within the project area, which could be endangered by the works. Particular emphasis is placed on the geological location of the area, which lies at the intersection of the East Anatolian and North Anatolian fault lines. According to the plaintiffs, the planned drilling could increase seismic activity and create additional risks.
Decision pending
With the lawsuit, the applicants are demanding the immediate suspension of the permit as well as its complete annulment. The court must now decide whether the planned work will be halted. The case is considered another conflict over energy projects in Northern Kurdistan, where the economic interests of the Turkish state clash with ecological and societal concerns.
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