Traditional charcoal kilns in Northern Cyprus to be closed within three months

The Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the TRNC, Yılmaz Altunterim, denied rumors that the traditional charcoal pits (gamini) would be moved to the Serhatköy area. The head of the department said that artisanal charcoal production using old technologies will be completely phased out and replaced by modern enclosed plants.

According to Altunterim, gamini have been a source of air pollution for the past 20–30 years. None of these facilities in the country has permits from local municipalities, and the kiln in the Mevlevi area turned out to be located right within a residential area, which triggered numerous complaints from residents. By law, industrial facilities must be located at least 3 kilometers from populated areas, so the Department of Urban Planning has already identified an environmentally safe site for legal investors.

During talks with charcoal producers, an agreement was reached: the artisanal kilns will be closed, and entrepreneurs are required to switch to modern certified equipment within 3 months, with filters that keep harmful emissions within acceptable limits. Altunterim reminded that his department monitors compliance with environmental standards, while the Güzelyurt municipality has the authority to shut down illegal operations, and the relevant requests have already been submitted.