Rescue Efforts for Meke Lake

Some news about Meke Lake, known as the "Evil Eye Bead of the World" in Konya, had caused concern. However, an important step will be taken within the framework of the rescue efforts for Meke Lake, which had completely dried up some time ago.

According to a statement from Konya Metropolitan Municipality, a water transportation and recovery facility will be built, integrated with the advanced biological wastewater treatment plant constructed by the municipality in the Karapınar district in 2021. It is stated that this facility will save Meke Crater Lake.

Meke Lake, which has completely dried up in the Karapınar district of Konya, will be replenished with an annual water supply of 2.5 million cubic meters.

Meke Lake was formed by the crater, which was created by a volcanic eruption 5 million years ago, gradually filling up with water. About 9,000 years ago, a second eruption occurred in the middle of the lake, causing it to fill up with water again. The lake is fed by underground water sources and has a high salt content. In the middle of Meke Lake, there is a volcanic cone that rises 50 meters in height. Previously, the lake had a depth of 12 meters, but due to years of drought and irresponsible agricultural irrigation, as well as the continuous decline in the underground water level, it has dried up.

The Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality, Uğur Ibrahim Altay, stated that they would replenish the lake using the water from the wastewater treatment plant and made the following remarks:

"Karapınar Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant was designed based on the projected population for the year 2033 and was put into operation in 2021. We aim to use the treated water from the Karapınar Wastewater Treatment Plant to nourish Meke Lake. We have started the construction of the necessary water transportation and recovery facility, which will pass the treated wastewater through advanced filtration processes to replenish Meke Lake. With the support of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, our recovery facility, which will transport water to Meke Lake, is being integrated with the Karapınar Wastewater Treatment Plant. By extending the necessary transmission line to Meke Lake, which is located approximately 8.5 kilometers away from the plant, we will be able to provide daily water support of approximately 7,000 cubic meters. By transporting a total of 2,532,000 cubic meters of water in a year at maximum capacity, we hope that the lake will regain its former magnificent appearance as soon as possible."