Concern Over Geothermal Project Threatening 16 Kurdish-Alevi Villages in Varto, Turkey
GEOTHERMAL
Approval has been granted for IGNIS H2 Enerji Üretim A.Ş. to conduct geothermal resource exploration in Varto, Muş, impacting 16 Kurdish-Alevi villages. MP Sümeyye Boz highlighted that the project threatens local livelihoods dependent on livestock farming and could lead to forced migration, recalling past demographic changes after the 1966 earthquake.
Geothermal drilling poses risks to water resources and could negatively affect air quality and seismic stability. Boz emphasized the need for community consent and independent environmental assessments, stating that the project prioritizes capital over villagers' rights.

Mar 18, 2026, 6:14 AM