Lake Tuz dries up due to climate change, farming

As Turkey's second largest lake and a stopover for migratory birds, especially flamingos, central Turkey's Lake Tuz is reeling from climate change-induced drought that has affected most of the country.

Climate change, coupled with the misuse of water resources, has led to water scarcity in the country and created havoc at this lake located about 170 km southeast from capital Ankara.

Translated to "Salt Lake" in Turkish, the once famous tourist destination has dramatically receded this year, with a dried-up and cracking lake bed that the locals had never witnessed before.

Environmental experts said that only 5,000 flamingo chicks hatched this year around the receding lake, which extends on three provinces (Ankara, Konya, Karaman), compared to more than 12,000 in 2018.

Soaring temperatures and a lack of precipitation across the country are ringing the alarm bells for agriculture at a time when dams, ponds and rivers have reported considerable drops in water levels. Experts warn a water crisis of Turkey within the next decade.

Lake Tuz is not the only lake facing dire conditions in central Turkey. Other lakes and fresh-water basins vital for Turkey's wheat production have seriously shrunk or dried up in several provinces of this region, recent press reports said.

A forecast by the Turkish Statistical Institute raises concerns over an imminent decline in crop production across the country due to drought.

The data shows that the output of cereal products will decrease by 15 percent this year compared to last year and will be around 31.6 million tons, state-run Anadolu agency reported.

Amid climate change concerns, the Turkish government seeks to rehabilitate lands and boost water supplies.