Meriç: No water available for irrigation – All pumping stations out of operation
A severe water shortage has paralyzed agricultural irrigation efforts in the Evros region, as announced by the Local Land Improvement Organization (TOEB) of Feres–Peplos. According to the organization, there is currently no available water in the Meriç River, and all irrigation pumping stations are out of operation.
In an official statement, TOEB placed responsibility on certain farmers who violated established water usage regulations, significantly exceeding legal limits and accelerating the depletion of already scarce water resources.
“Everyone must take responsibility for their actions, both for the current situation and the consequences to follow,” the statement reads, warning that the remaining water supply will only last for a maximum of 48 hours.
Full Statement Highlights:
The TOEB informs its members that, due to the lack of water in the Meriç River, all pumping stations are currently offline.
Despite continued efforts by the administration and staff throughout the irrigation season—especially during this period of acute water scarcity—the situation deteriorated as some producers failed to follow rules, crossing into outright illegal behavior.
A particularly serious violation occurred when a farmer tampered with the central canal, causing an uncontrolled flow of water that drained the canal completely. As a result, the organization can no longer enforce any management measures.
TOEB stressed that the irrigation system cannot operate in a lawless state, nor can constant monitoring be guaranteed across the vast 84,000-stremma (8,400-hectare) territory under its responsibility.
It remains uncertain when or if water will return to the Meriç River, but any future availability will require strict adherence to regulation and responsible usage.
This crisis poses an immediate threat to local agricultural productivity and highlights the urgent need for water management reform in the face of climate-related challenges and resource overuse.
