The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization in Turkey has approved the environmental plan for the 45.2 km long Canal İstanbul project.

The environmental plan engages 13,364-hectare land around the proposed route. The plan also defines the residential areas, the number of floors, green fields, and public transport routes in Başahşehir and Arnavutkö district. The approved plan involves three out of seven stages of the project.

The ministry has received major criticism over environmental and economical concerns for the project. According to the plan, 52% of the total area will be developed for green fields, roads, and social reinforcement. The residential buildings will be no more than three floors high and the area will include walking trails and bike roads.