The destruction of nature carried out for over five years by village guards under military supervision has spread to new areas of the region of Şirnak (Şirnex). The natural wonder of Bertûl Valley, located above the town of Qesirk (Kasrik) and at the foothills of Mount Gabar, is being destroyed. In the area which has been closed to civilian entry by the Şırnak Governor’s Office, nature is being ravaged by excavators.
Named after the village, Bertûl Valley, with its magnificent waterfall and natural pools, is one of the most popular places where thousands of people come each year to cool off. However, the governor’s office has completely banned access to the area for the past year, citing “security” reasons.
Nature destroyed by excavators
Recent footage from the valley shows three excavators uprooting trees in the area. The heavy machinery, which is also damaging the natural pools, is destroying the natural structure of the Bertûl waterfall. The footage also shows roads being opened to facilitate oil exploration and tree cutting in new areas. While the once-clear natural pools have turned the color of mud, the excavators are cutting down every tree in their path.
Meanwhile, tree cutting continues in Gabar due to oil exploration initiated by the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), and environmental destruction is also ongoing in the Besta region, Mount Cûdî, and the rural areas of Elkê (Beytüşşebap) and Qileban (Uludere) districts.
Source: ANF News
