11.02.2026 16:22
After a tractor fell into the lake during ice cleaning at Çıldır Lake, the Ardahan Governorship held a critical meeting and canceled the festival. It was announced that the decision was made due to insufficient ice thickness and the associated life-threatening risks.
An emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Ardahan Governorship after a tractor fell into the lake due to the breaking of the ice while snow cleaning was being done on Çıldır Lake. Representatives from Çıldır Municipality, Çıldır District Governorship, and AFAD attended the meeting. The condition of the ice layer on the lake was evaluated with technical data.
INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED, FESTIVAL CANCELED
In the investigations conducted by AFAD teams, it was determined that due to air temperatures above seasonal norms, the thickness of the ice remained below the expected level. Authorities agreed that the simultaneous presence of thousands of visitors on the ice layer would pose a serious life risk. Participating institutions decided not to hold the festival this year in order to prevent a possible disaster.