The DEM Party-run municipality of Ağrı (Kr: Agirî) is pushing ahead with a comprehensive ecological transformation of the region with its “Green Agirî” project. The aim is to improve the quality of urban life, redevelop brownfield sites and heavily polluted areas, and establish a green infrastructure for the long term.
One of the central projects is the redevelopment of an area that has been used as an illegal dump for around 20 years. All the city’s household waste was dumped there without being processed – with corresponding consequences for the environment, health, and quality of life of local residents. “This rubbish dump not only caused a strong smell and an unsightly townscape, but also posed a significant health risk,” said co-mayor Hazal Aras.
As part of an emergency program, the municipality had the area cleared and applied for membership in the environmental association of municipalities in the neighboring province of Iğdır. In the future, all of Ağrı’s waste will be disposed of in Iğdır and recycled at facilities there. The cleared area is currently being planted and is to be completely converted into a municipal tree nursery in the coming years.
The municipality is also tackling other heavily polluted areas. For example, there had been a construction waste site in the city for years, which, with the growth of Ağrı, is now located in the middle of the residential area. The rubble was removed, the site was filled with soil, and the first trees were planted. The plan is to create a local recreation area for the population there.
Another example of redevelopment is an area in the Fatih district that was previously used by residents to dump animal manure. Following a public consultation, the site was cleared and a combined children’s and family park was built. “Today, children play there while their families relax in the pavilions. This was an express wish of the residents,” said Aras.
At the same time, a city-wide planting campaign has been running since the administration took office. Under the slogan “Green Agiri”, the city is calling for donations to plant trees every spring and fall. The original goal was to plant 5,000 trees in five years. After only a year and a half in office, more than 3,000 trees have already been planted in the city with the support of the population.
Aras emphasized that the success of the project does not depend solely on the administration: “We can create beautiful, livable, and breathable spaces, but these places are entrusted to the people. Their care and protection are in the hands of the population.” She positively highlighted that the first signs of a change in thinking are visible: “In a newly created park, the children collect the trash themselves because they know that this place belongs to them.”
With the “Green Agirî” project, the city administration says it wants to combine ecological principles, citizen participation, and sustainable urban development—and thus create a model for more environmentally friendly local politics.
Source: ANF News
