16.05.2026 11:11
It has been alleged that illegal water has been drawn for about 6 years through a pipeline installed at Varan Lake in Eyüpsultan, Istanbul, and that the extracted water has been loaded into tankers for sale. Onur Özer, who said he noticed the mechanism while fishing in the area, stated, "This pipe is about 2.5 to 3 kilometers long, with such a system extending up here, to a factory. So the water goes up here, collects somewhere, then goes to factories and tankers, meaning there is a sale here; thus, there is corruption here."
It has been claimed that there is an illegal water line established using industrial electricity in Varan Lake, a natural water source in Eyüpsultan, allegedly extending for about 3 kilometers. Onur Özer, who stated that they frequently come to the lake area for fishing, said, "We just noticed this, but this system has been here since 2021. Since 2021, it is clear how much water has been drawn and how much profit has been made for 5-6 years."
"WE FOLLOWED THE CABLES AND PIPES"
Onur Özer, who said he noticed pipes and electrical installations extending from the water to the land while walking around the lake, stated, "We came here about a week ago to fish. When we looked from across, we thought there was a system here. We went around and came here. There really is a system here. This is Varan Lake, Pirinççi, Eyüpsultan, Istanbul. There is industrial electricity here. The chance of normal electricity running such a system is zero. We followed the cables and pipes. We think it belongs to a business up there, and that is indeed the case. We filed our complaint to the relevant authorities. We informed BEDAŞ, the Forestry Directorate, and every necessary place. There is a system like this here, and no one knows about it. This is a place where only the fire department can come, take water by helicopter, and go. We will not let this go."
"NORMAL ELECTRICITY CANNOT PUMP THIS WATER"
Özer, stating that the line continues for about 2.5 to 3 kilometers, said, "This pipe is between 2.5 and 3 kilometers; there is such a system here going all the way up to the factory. So, the water is going up, being collected somewhere, then to factories and tankers; there must be sales here, i.e., corruption. Really, there is corruption here. I am saying this. This place belongs to everyone now. Everyone comes here to fish, sit, light their barbecue; there is corruption here. This is not a place where anyone can make a profit. Normal electricity cannot pump this water upwards. Industrial electricity is very strong; I know this from my own experience because I work in industry. I want this place to be closed immediately by the district governor, Forestry Directorate, Directorate of Public Works, police, and gendarmerie. We will continue this struggle. I am calling out from here, inviting you. Please find a solution for this place, close it down."
"THIS SYSTEM HAS BEEN HERE SINCE 2021"
Özer, stating that they investigated the matter and that the setup is not new, said, "We just noticed this, but this system has been here since 2021. We researched and are certain about this. Since 2021, it is clear how much water has been drawn and how much profit has been made for 5-6 years." On the other hand, it was learned that Varan Lake, from which water is allegedly drawn, is not under the responsibility of İSKİ.