The Mayor cleaned the beaches polluted by the citizens

Mayor of Mudanya, Deniz Dalgıç, and the municipal employees cleaned Güzelyalı Beach, which was polluted by the citizens during the holiday season. In Mudanya district of Bursa, the threefold increase in population during the summer months brought along its own set of problems. To send a message to the citizens who carelessly pollute the beaches, Mayor Deniz Dalgıç set an example with a exemplary behavior. Approximately 60 volunteer municipal employees gathered at Güzelyalı Beach at the break of dawn. Mayor Deniz Dalgıç, wearing gloves and holding trash bags, led the personnel who were also supported by the citizens. The municipal employees meticulously cleaned the beaches from cigarette butts to the smallest pieces of trash. Mayor Deniz Dalgıç emphasized that this symbolic act should set an example for everyone, stating that ‘Unfortunately, our population increases when the summer months arrive. We also host additional guests over the weekends. The beaches get seriously polluted. In fact, cleanliness starts with not polluting. We want to set an example in this regard. We want to create awareness on this issue. Today, we are helping our personnel working in the Cleaning Department. If we can protect Mudanya, we will be happy.’ Dalgıç also mentioned that the issue of cleanliness cannot be solved by a single municipality or institution, saying ‘For instance, some students take the initiative to clean certain beaches they adopt. This is not something that a municipality or a non-governmental organization can handle alone. In a place where the population suddenly increases from 110,000 to 350,000, it is not possible for the Cleaning Department staff to keep up with it. Therefore, as citizens, we need to be conscious and learn not to pollute. While enjoying these areas, we need to pick up our own trash the next day in order to find these places clean.’ Murat Ural, who works as a controller in the Cleaning Department of Mudanya Municipality, stated, ‘Under the leadership of our Mayor Deniz Dalgıç, we are voluntarily cleaning the beach and coastline with the municipal staff and our citizens. If our people use these areas with care during the summer, it will create a healthier environment for everyone.’