Garmiyan plans to relocate gravel mines, clean up Sirwan River

KALAR, Kurdistan Region — Authorities in Garmiyan want to remove tens of gravel and sand mining operations along the Sirwan River that are damaging the environment and turn the area into a tourist attraction. But the proposal to relocate the mines and factories has drawn criticism from environmentalists.

“We don’t harm the environment, we don’t uproot trees, we have a license and work according to government guidelines. If we violate them, they will fine us a huge amount,” said Sabah Mohammed, a sand and gravel plant owner.

He said they are willing to relocate, if the government compensates them. “Wherever they relocate us, we’re ready.”

Kalar municipality wants to make the river a tourist attraction. To do that, they need the sand and gravel miners and factories to move. 

“We came to an agreement with the factories that are on the Sirwan River in Kalar city, starting from Grda Gozina bridge to Barda Swr, that we won’t give permission to any factory in that area, whether it’s sand and gravel factories or bricks. And all the licenses that were issued previously will not be renewed,” said Akram Saleh, head of Kalar municipal affairs.

“These factories will be removed because we have a new plan for the Sirwan River. It will be a tourist area and a place to relax,” he added.

Trucks digging sand and gravel out of the river bed have transformed the landscape. Such operations transform the river, kill the fish, pollute nearby groundwater reserves, and turn green areas into wastelands, according to a study by the global environmental organization Waterkeepers Alliance.

Relocating the sand and gravel operations should not considered an option, said Nabil Musa, environmental activist and member of the Waterkeepers Alliance. “This is a corrupt decision,” he said. “You’re moving it from the artery to the veins. It’s not a solution.”

Gravel mining and processing should not occur on the rivers at all, he added. 

The Garmiyan environment board said they have filed numerous complaints with the owners of the mines and factories over concerns from their business. They have recorded 175 violations of environmental regulations and issued fines totaling 96 million dinars over the past five years. But the mines and factories continue. 

“The Garmiyan environment board never stood there hands-tied. We have many documents showing that we have warned relevant parties of the dangers of this work. Unfortunately, no one has listened to us,” said Dwraid Salim, director of Garmiyan’s environment office. 

Salim said they have also asked to have a seat on a committee that approves locations for gravel and mining sites, but their request was rejected by the Ministry of Natural Resources. 


With additional reporting by Khazan Jangiz