Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu drew attention to the drought issue. He made significant statements regarding the status of the Melen Dam.

İmamoğlu stated that Istanbul experienced its driest June in 65 years and emphasized that the Melen Dam has not been completed for 10 years. He remarked, 'Drought has knocked on the door, and you are still chasing profit.'

Construction of the Melen Dam began in 2014, but due to ground and structural issues, it has yet to be completed. Despite claims of nearing completion each year, the dam has not become operational.

According to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ), the reservoir levels have fallen below 60%. This situation threatens Istanbul's water resources.

İmamoğlu also referred to the decision to remove the drinking water reservoir status of the Sazlıdere Dam, stating, 'While Istanbul is running out of water, you are sacrificing water basins for profit.'