CLEAN-UP MOBILIZATION IN THE PORSUK RIVER: PROTECTING THE ECOSYSTEM THROUGH NATURAL, NOT CHEMICAL METHODS

Teams from Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality continue their meticulous cleaning efforts in the Porsuk River--considered both a symbol of the city and a legacy for future generations--against algae and surface pollution.

Agricultural Engineer Tülin Aktaş from the Parks and Gardens Department provided information about the ongoing work, stating that regular cleaning is carried out along the 12-kilometer restored landscape area. Aktaş said, "With our captains and trained personnel, we fight algae and surface pollution throughout the year. No chemicals are used during cleaning; we rely entirely on physical methods. In this way, we protect the natural ecosystem of the Porsuk River."

Serdar Kaya, the Porsuk River Cleaning Supervisor, noted that rising temperatures and decreasing water levels have caused intense algae and aquatic plant formation in the river. Kaya explained, "Algae disrupt the oxygen balance of the water, leading to fish deaths, discoloration, and foul odors. Therefore, we regularly cut and remove the algae. We also disperse surface algae by generating movement in the water using speedboats. This natural method increases oxygen levels in the water."

Tülin Aktaş expressed sadness over bottles, bags, and packaging waste thrown into the river by some citizens and added: "Our teams collect kilograms of trash every day. The Porsuk River belongs to all of us. We kindly ask our fellow Eskişehir residents to help keep both our river and its surroundings clean."

The Metropolitan Municipality will continue its year-round efforts to ensure the Porsuk River--one of Eskişehir's natural beauties and important living spaces--remains healthy.