Drought alert in Devegeçidi Dam Lake
The drought experienced in the Devegeçidi Dam Lake in Diyarbakır also negatively affects living things.
The water level in the dam lake, which was established in 1972 for irrigation purposes on the Devegeçidi Stream and has a water collection volume of 220 million cubic meters, is experiencing an above-normal drop this year due to the effects of insufficient rainfall, hot weather and intense evaporation.
Images recorded between August last year and September this year in the dam lake basin, which is the habitat of many creatures from migratory birds to fish species, from mammals to turtles, revealed the extent of the drought.
The dam lake, which is an important feeding, resting and breeding ground for birds and is also used for freshwater fishing and agricultural irrigation, has been photographed from the air, showing the decline in water levels, puddles remaining in places, migratory birds searching for food in the mud at the lake bottom, and animal herds in the region.
Dicle University (DU) Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zoology Department faculty member Prof. Dr. Recep Karakaş told an AA correspondent that global warming and climate change clearly show their impact on the dam lake.
Karakaş emphasized that global warming and climate change are distinct concepts, saying, "Atmospheric warming, greenhouse gases, and poor agricultural practices are all reflections of global warming. Climate change, on the other hand, is the resulting changes in precipitation patterns and extreme natural events. For example, we can consider events like hail in August as indicators of climate change. Currently, the most significant impact of this, both in our country and in our region, is on water resources."
Karakaş stated that there have been serious decreases in the water level in many wetlands and freshwater sources due to increasing temperatures and evaporation, and that the decrease in these sources has negatively affected many species, including birds, mammals and amphibians.
Karakaş stated that the Devegeçidi Dam Lake contributes to nature and wildlife beyond irrigation, and added:
Many bird species use this area for feeding, breeding, and roosting during breeding season, migration, and winter. We have significant data on this matter. Especially with insufficient spring rainfall and above-average summer temperatures, a decrease in water levels in the dam is inevitable. If sufficient snowfall in winter, combined with evaporation, the area faces a serious drought threat. This affects all living creatures, from birds to mammals. When drought strikes, many species are negatively impacted.
Karakaş emphasized that protecting water and not wasting it is of vital importance for both humans and wildlife, explaining that the entire natural balance is interconnected.
Karakaş said:
"For this dam, used for irrigation, it would be beneficial to follow an integrated strategy that takes into account wild elements. For example, if rainfall is low and evaporation is high, less water can be allocated for irrigation or supplemented from another dam. This way, the area can be prevented from drying out completely. Protecting freshwater resources and not wasting water is essential for both our future and the future of all living things in nature."
Karakaş stated that it is no longer a surprise to encounter similar situations in recent years, and noted that the multiplication and implementation of strategic action plans for water conservation is important for the survival of living beings.
BirGün
