Protest in Ardeşen from neighborhood residents over alleged pollution from tea factory

Residents of the Işıklı neighborhood in Ardeşen, Rize, are voicing strong opposition to the alleged environmental pollution caused by a ÇAYKUR state-owned tea factory operating in their area. The primary concern centers on the dense smoke and tea dust emitted from the factory's chimneys, particularly during the dry tea production process.

Locals report that this particulate matter infiltrates their homes, settling on windows and household items, necessitating daily cleaning and significantly diminishing their quality of life. Seda Kalender, a resident, described the pervasive dust, stating, "As you can see, I will wipe it now. This is the result. This is nothing. Inside our homes, our windows, the air we breathe comes back to us as us. We are tired of wiping this every morning, we wipe it every morning. This is the image every morning. This is just a desktop. Imagine this at home, on our belongings, on the laundry we hang. You understand how much difficulty we have now."

Further complaints involve the factory's wastewater management. Residents allege that effluent is being released into a local stream without sufficient treatment, creating potential risks to both the environment and public health. They claim that despite lodging numerous complaints through various platforms and even applying to the Presidency's Communication Center (CİMER), no lasting solution has been implemented.

Official correspondence indicates that ÇAYKUR's Technical Affairs Department acknowledged the issue. A letter sent to the Işıklı Tea Factory management noted the detection of fine particle emissions from the dust collection system and recommended initiating a study to improve it. However, residents feel these measures are insufficient and that the pollution continues unabated, demanding immediate and effective action to protect their health and environment.

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As you can see, I will wipe it now. This is the result. This is nothing. Inside our homes, our windows, the air we breathe comes back to us as us. We are tired of wiping this every morning, we wipe it every morning. This is the image every morning. This is just a desktop. Imagine this at home, on our belongings, on the laundry we hang. You understand how much difficulty we have now.