ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – May 2012
THE FUTURE OF "ELAZIĞ" IS IN SUSPENSE
On April 2, 2012, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization approved the 1/100,000 Scale Environmental Development Plan for the Malatya-Elazığ-Bingöl-Tunceli Planning Region, including the Plan Explanation Report, Plan Provisions, and the Plan Research Report.
These documents were made available for public review from April 25, 2012, to May 25, 2012, for a period of 30 days on the Ministry's official website.
According to Law No. 3194 on Zoning, the Environmental Development Plan is defined as a plan that determines land use decisions such as housing, industry, agriculture, tourism, and transportation in accordance with national and regional planning decisions.
In short, environmental development plans can be viewed as the design for the future of cities and regions, as projections are made based on the year 2040.
Upon examining the explanation report, we can see that Elazığ’s settlements discussed in the plan include the following:
Elazığ City Center, Akçakiraz, Hankendi, İçme, Mollakendi, Yazıkonak, Yurtbaşı, Ağın, Alacakaya, Arıcak, Bükardı, Erimli, Üçocak, Baskil, Karakoçan, Sarıcan, Keban, Kovancılar, Çakırkaş, Yarımca, Maden, Gezin, Palu, Baltaşı, Beyhan, and Sivrice.
Especially local administrators know the current situation and future goals of towns and districts better than anyone. The environmental development plans of these areas should be reviewed by the relevant district governorships, municipal offices, and civil society organizations, and objections should be raised if necessary.
This environmental development plan has been prepared considering sectors such as industry, agriculture, livestock, services, and logistics, along with a population projection. The urban settlement and zoning areas planned within this framework must be adhered to. Thus, the objection period is of great importance. If we don't foresee our own future, we may face serious problems. Therefore, all relevant authorities should thoroughly examine this plan, read the reports, and submit objections in areas they deem necessary.
One of the most striking points in the report is the population planning for the two benchmark cities of the region. It is projected that Malatya, with a population of 388,590 in 2009, will experience a 3.1-fold increase by 2040, reaching 1,000,173. On the other hand, Elazığ, with a population of 323,420 in 2009, is expected to increase 1.83 times by 2040, reaching 568,010.
While these projections are based on some statistical studies, they almost define the future of the region.
Key observations in the plan and reports:
- Economic Sectors in Elazığ: The sectors in Elazığ are listed as logistics, tourism, industry, and mining. Despite the rich marble and mineral reserves in Elazığ, it is difficult to understand why mining is placed at the end and logistics is placed at the top. The agricultural sector, especially in areas like Uluova and Kuzova, should also be considered in the province's future planning. I invite civil society organizations and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture to make necessary contributions regarding mining during the objection period.
- Fırat University: Fırat University is a very important asset for Elazığ. I believe the importance of our university is not adequately reflected in the report. Furthermore, the university's land has not been fully incorporated into the current environmental development plan. The university's land located along the Malatya Road is also missing from the plan. I hope our university will contribute during the objection period.
- Lack of Second University: The failure to allocate space for a second university raises doubts about the accuracy of Elazığ’s future projections.
- Elazığ’s Urban Development: The selected urban development area for Elazığ Center is highly insufficient. The existing zoning plan even covers larger areas than the environmental development plan. I believe the municipality will make the necessary contributions in the near future.
My aim is not to compare cities, but it is a fact that progress will occur based on the projections made. If Elazığ's 2040 plan looks like this, we will be left far behind.
First, it is essential to dream with accurate data and a broad vision. And we can only achieve this together. I invite the Elazığ Provincial Special Administration, the Elazığ Municipality, district governorships, town and district municipalities, public institutions, and NGOs to contribute to the future of our hometown before the objection period expires.