Hydropower vs endangered fish CEB’s proposed hydropower project a threat to endangered species.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is planning to add 85 Gw annual output to the country’s electricity supply, with the proposed Moragolla hydro power project. It is a threat to the green Labeo (Labeo fisheri), a critically endangered fish species that lives in that part of the Mahaveli river, where the Moragolla hydro power station is to be located.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was done by the CEB and the Central Environment Authority (CEA) approved the report. The project began and dynamite was being used.
It was then that the dead Labeo fish were detected, until then, they were considered extinct. The project was halted with this discovery, it was revealed that the CEB had not informed the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) of this and the National Aquatics Resources Association (NARA) was instructed to carry out a study to find out whether more Labeo fish are in there. The fish species was to be translocated to the Kelani river in Kitulagala area. It seemed DWC, CEA and NARA are passing the responsibility to each other, as it was evident from their comments.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) was to give a 120 Million loan for the relocation of Labeo fish.
According to senior scientist Ramani Shirantha of NARA, the relocation is not going to happen. In that case, what happens to the ADB loan? Nobody knows who got the loan. Every institution related to this is silent when questioned about it.
Moragolla project manager of CEB, Jayarathna, made it clear that nobody could give information without the chairman’s permission. He blatantly said he cannot say anything without written permission and cut the line. We would like to remind all those officers who take cover behind such flimsy excuses that, with the Right to Information Act (RTI act), the public are entitled to information from public officials.
It appears that the government institutions and officials are not well aware of the projects they are carrying out. The responsible people in higher posts are being ignorant, even when they can find solutions to protect nature whilst exploiting for the benefit of the country. The experts must be imaginative enough to find a solution which can protect nature as well as development activities.
“Major hydro projects, blast fishing and mini hydros threaten the Gadaya.”
– Madhura De Silva President of Wildlife Conservation Society, Galle
- This critically endangered species presently remains in the untouched part of Mahaweli river
- Major hydro projects, blast fishing and mini hydros are the threats to Gadaya.
Commenting on the relocation plan on Green Labeo (locally known as Gadaya), Madhura De Silva said the Green labeo lived in rapidly flowing rivers and it is restricted to Mahaweli basin. This species feeds on algae growing on rock surfaces and they prefer fast flowing water. Green Labeo dislikes the stagnant water and stays in the deep waters, where rocks are common. Fast water flow is crucial to their existence. This critically endangered species presently remains in the untouched part of Mahaweli river. In those areas in the Mahaweli basin, where major hydro power plants — Victoria, Randenigala and Rantambe — the damming has changed their migration patterns and the Green labeo are in trouble as they swim upstream to breed. With damming, up stream swimming is impossible and their migration patterns have been
badly affected.
According to Madhura De Silva, three major factors have been identified as working against the existence of Gadaya. Major hydro projects, blast fishing and mini hydros are the threats to Gadaya. People in Kandy use explosives to harvest fish and the remaining Peradeniya, Gatambe and Galaha areas are subjected to development (human settlements).
“In the lower Knuckles area, people use dynamite in deep pools to harvest fish and this affects the whole population including juvenile and adult fish and the entire fish population,” he explained.
Evaluating the relocation of Green labeo he emphasized the practical difficulties. It is hard to catch this fish species without harming them because they live so deep. Scuba divers with oxygen supply are needed to catch the fish in habitat and that’s really difficult.”
“We accept that energy is necessary, but at what cost?”
– Dr. Sewwandi Jayakody Ecologist and senior lecturer in Wayamba University
- When we were aware that the CEB was calling for tenders to relocate Labeo fish, we sent a letter to DWC asking the details of relocation
- Regarding how many of this species are going to be relocated, they are clueless
“At the very beginning of this hydro power project there was no record of Labeo fish in this area. When we were aware that the CEB was calling for tenders to relocate Labeo fish, we sent a letter to DWC asking the details of relocation assessments and about the species. Yet the DWC never sent a reply,” Dr. Jayakody said.
Dr Sewwandi described the Labeo fish as a deep pool inhabiting creature. In those deep pools, the oxygen percentage is really high and it’s a biological need of the fish species. Their habitats are places where rivers fall from one level to the other and this characteristic is necessary for the species existence.
“The DWC has not yet identified some important facts as in which river they live and their population numbers; regarding how many of this species are going to be relocated, they are clueless. Now they are going to relocate this critically endangered fish species in to Kelani Ganga – Kitulgala area. NARA is doing this. If this relocation is not successful, we ourselves are driving them to extinction. We accept that energy is necessary, but at what cost? Do you really need to relocate them because of that?,” she asked.
“This activity will be illegal under the section 23 A A of National Environment Act.”
– Jagath Gunawardena Environment lawyer
- This is a species that hadn’t been studied very much in Sri Lanka and therefore any capture or any attempt to relocate would be disastrous to this population
- Gadaya or the Green Labeo (Labeo fisheri), is included as a protected species under Section 31 A of Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance
- Ulcerative Fish Disease is present in the Kelani river
“Gadaya or the Green Labeo (Labeo fisheri), is included as a protected species under Section 31 A of Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Therefore, no one can capture, harm, kill or keep in custody or under one’s possession any living individual of this species,” he said on the legal background of the matter.
“According to the provisions of FFPO, the director of Wildlife Conservation can allow the capture of a protected species of fish only for scientific researches which include conservation purposes. Therefore, any attempt by NARA to catch it and trying to relocate it is illegal and even the director of DWC cannot give permission for such an operation.” he claimed.
“The proposed relocation of the species is not included in the permitted activities as per the environment approval granted by the CEA, for this project. Therefore, this activity will be illegal under the section 23 A A of National Environment Act. This is a species that hadn’t been studied very much in Sri Lanka and therefore any capture or any attempt to relocate would be disastrous to this population. It is important that a comprehensive study of this species should have been carried out before any attempted relocation. It is also very troubling to note there will be a trans-boundary relocation of this population to Kelani river from the Mahaweli Ganga. There should have been a comprehensive study of the Kelani river, including the native flora and fauna, and whether any predators or any diseases are present in the Kelani river and in the other hand whether any native animal including fish inhabiting the Kelani Ganga would be adversely affected by the newly introduced green Labeo,” he explained.
“I am personally aware, from my observations, that the Ulcerative Fish Disease is present in the Kelani river and it has affected species belonging to the family Cyprinidae to which the green Labeo too belongs. Therefore, this possibility has to be comprehensively studied.”
“We totally depend on the DWC’s position.”
– Kanthi De Silva Acting Deputy Director General of EIA Division – Central Environment Authority
- There was a supplementary EIA done in 2014
- During the construction the CEB has noted this protected species living in the area
“We are awaiting the decision of DWC, because they have the authority to take action in this matter. There was a supplementary EIA done in 2014 and at that time the hydropower project was approved by the Mahaweli Authority,” she said.
“During the construction the CEB has noted this protected species living in the area. After that, the DWC had asked NARA to carry out a proper study to find out whether this fish species lived within the site. And I have to say; we totally depend on the DWC’s position,” she added.
“We have directed NARA to do a research on the impact of relocating the species. Our decisions depend on the results of NARA research.”
– Hashini Sarathchandra Publicity officer of Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC)
“Relocation is not happening”
– Ramani Shirantha Senior Scientist of Inland Aquatic Resources and Aquaculture Division – NARA
- I’m not aware of the ADB loan or what happens to it.
- Labeo fishery species found in Ethgala area
“The relocation is not happening because the report has revealed the Labeo fishery species is there in the Ethgala area in Mahaweli river. And we are going to write a report to DWC. The methods we used to survey the existence of fish species were underwater photographs and videos. And I’m not aware of the ADB loan, what happens to it, or what is the
exact amount.”
Depictions from EIA report that was made earlier
- Additional Environment studies report made in February 2014
- Sri Lanka Green Power Development and Energy Efficiency Improvement Investment Program
“The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) plans to develop a new 30.0 MW hydropower project at Moragolla in Kandy District. The scheme involves construction of a 35m high concrete gravity dam (with a 5-gate spillway) across the Mahaweli Ganga at Weliganga, to create a 38.5 ha (1.98 MCM) reservoir with a Full Supply Level (FSL) at 548 msl. “
“5.1.4 ……the presence of Labeo fisheri, locally known as “Kalu Gadeya”, a critically endangered species (MOE, (2012), is of particular interest as it is only found in the middle catchments of the Mahaweli river system (Pethiyagoda, 1991; Shirantha, 2012)….”Report of IUCN
“Conservation status of Labeo fisheri According to the National Red List 2012, Labeo fisheri is categorized as a Critically Endangered freshwater fish and is included in Schedule VI of the Fauna and Flora protection Ordinance (Amended act No. 22 of 2009) as a protected species (Gunasekara, 2011).”
(https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/47037-003-eiaab-02.pdf)
Source – 16/03/2017,Dailymirror,See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Hydropower-vs-endangered-fish-CEB-s-proposed-hydropower-project-a-threat-to-endangered-species-125598.html#sthash.C4nZz0kV.dpuf
400 year old historic mee tree falls down
Image courtesy: dinamina.lk
A 400 year old mee tree (Madhuca longifolia), believed to be a place of rest for British sea captain and explorer Robert Knox, fell down on 12th March. The tree was on the bank of Nachchaduwa Kalluvila weva in Anuradhapura.
Knox made special mention of this tree in his manuscript ‘An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon’.
The residents of the area express their dismay over the destruction of such a historic and useful tree.
Source – 14/03/2017, Front Page – See more at – http://www.frontpage.lk/page/400-year-old-historic-mee-tree-falls-down/19426
Temple of the Tooth tusker dies
mage courtesy: Gossip – Lanka News
The stately tusker ‘Eka Dantheya’ belonging to the Temple of the Tooth died yesterday (12th March). He was 47 years old, and had participated in the Kandy Esala Perahera for the last four decades.
The elephant was named Eka Dantheya since he had only his left tusk.
Veterinary surgeons and the Wildlife Officers will be conducting the autopsy and determine the cause of death.
Source – 13/03/2017, Front Page, See more at- http://www.frontpage.lk/page/Temple-of-the-Tooth-tusker-dies-/19392
Farmers Face Worst Harvest In 40 Years
Farmers are counting the cost of the nation’s worst drought in decades, which has caused widespread crop failure and food shortages while compounding the nation’s existing malnutrition crisis. Drought conditions now exist in all but two of the country’s 25 provinces, and more than 1.2 million people are affected, including over 600,000 children.
Rice paddy cultivation from the harvest just ended was down 63 per cent compared to the average, making it the worst major harvest in over 40 years. “The biggest harvest of the year has just finished and it’s been a massive failure for most farmers living in areas crippled by the drought,” said Chris McIvor, Save the Children Country Director in Sri Lanka.
Widespread food and water shortages across the country have been visible, and it could get worse if the next harvest in Yala season due in August is also below the norm. Thousands of water tanks are running low or drying out with some water stores becoming contaminated because they’ve been stagnant for too long. There have even been reports of wild elephants coming into villages in search of food and water, often destroying remaining crops and potentially putting children’s lives in danger. McIvor warned that the drought was also compounding Sri Lanka’s long struggle with malnutrition, which affects nearly a third of children and a quarter of women.
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/03/12/farmers-face-worst-harvest-in-40-years/
Sinharaja in Danger
Sinharaja Rainforest
by Hafsa Sabry
Alleged illegal construction of mini hydro power plants projects in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka, has caused many environmental damages to the world heritage. Sinharaja is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The illegal construction of the Project that crosses the Kosgulana River and along the water catchment areas of Diya Eli, Ganga Jala in the Sinharaja Forest buffer zone has caused considerable damages to the rainforest, even though the environmentalists and the Rainforest Protectors Organization raised concern over the environmental damages resulted by the project. In the meantime, the relevant authorities are being informed about the damages caused by the project, and they are accused of being silent over the law violation.
The Ministry of Power and Energy has planned to construct108 Mini Hydro Power Plants in one of the high bio-diversities of the country along Sripada, Sapthaya Kanya, Maskeliya Oya, and through Lakshapana Dam and V-Oya without any proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) being conducted by the relevant authorities, while causing damages to the environment, and the water sources of the country. This construction is being carried out in the Northern Sinharaja Rainforest buffer zone at Kosgulana, approximately 4km East from Kudawa main entrance.
Ampanagala, Vevathenna, Kombarava Ganga, Dambulu Oya, Banamadu Oya, Gombarau Oya, and many lakes and water streams are being affected and damaged by this project. “The construction of this project on the basis of economic development is being carried out while ignoring the protection of nature reservoirs and the water sources of the country,” claimed Ravindra Kariyawasam, the environmentalist and Director for Center for Environmental and Nature Studies (CENS).
More than 78 Private companies will be benefited from this project of 108 mini hydro power plants to which many environmental committees have expressed concern over the environmental damages caused by it. Nevertheless, the project is under construction and reported as a violation of the National Environmental Act of Sri Lanka.
He also claimed that the project carries out the blasting method in its process which has caused visible damages to the rainforest and the gravel roads of Sinharaja Rainforest. “Many environmental damages are allegedly being posed to while the groundwater level of the areas is going down,” he said. Moreover, the wild animals and birds that depend on the water catchment areas of the rainforest are also being exposed to these environmental damages. He also alleged the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) for not attending to their duties of protecting the bio-diversities and the nature reservoirs of the country. Fences were being built to block the pristine water streams from entering into the constructional areas while obstructing the speed of water flow which will result in the reduction of oxygen in the water. Due to this temperature of water changes causing discomfort for the animals and the water creatures in the rainforest.
Moreover, a dam is being built blocking the Kosgulana River in the Sinharaja buffer zone and several acres of rainforest cleared by heavy machinery and concrete along the pristine and protected river bank. Large trucks and machinery utilized for this construction had cleared through what was once a small footpath in the Sinharaja buffer zone, between Kudawa and Kosgulana.
“As a result of the rainforest continuously being exposed to deforestation and anti-environmental friendly projects within the conservative areas, the level of rain that the country receives every year has been reduced which will also result in affecting the people and the wildlife of hill countries,” said Ravindra Kariyawasam.
A research conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), a Paris-based organization established in 1974, reveals that the groundwater level of the area and the environment is exposed to an irreparable damage when such anti-environmental projects are carried out in the conservative areas. For Example, the Azwam mini hydropower plants project in Egypt reportedly affected the villagers and the wildlife in the area.
“The result of Randenigala and Victoria projects that claimed to produce power even to India is a good example to stop these anti-environmental projects in the country as those projects were a failure in protecting the environment,” said Ravindra Kariyawasam.
“There are many natural ways to produce power and energy rather than constructing mini hydro power plants or large scale power plants. Electricity could be produced from water, air and solar. Hence the government should try and ensure that the projects do not harm the environment and natural reservoirs while using the natural ways to produce power and electricity,” he further stated. “It is significant to note that the relevant authorities are fully aware of the irreparable damages which will be resulted by the project, but they still allow them to carry out the illegal constructions with no EIA s conducted with regard to the project,” he claimed.
Source – 15/03/2017, The Sunday Leader, See more at – http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/12/27/sinharaja-in-danger/
Underworld Behind Land Excavation Racket
Text and Pix by Ashanthi Warunasuriya in Minuwangoda
- President Maithripala Sirisena had last year ordered a crackdown on land excavation in the area
- The land excavation extends to Kotugoda
- Residents complained that government officials had not visited the area to investigate the matter
A land excavation racket being carried out in Minuwangoda with the support of a leading underworld figure in the area has been unearthed.
The Sunday Leader visited Minuwangoda and witnessed first-hand the land excavation taking place in the area on a large scale.
President Maithripala Sirisena had last year ordered a crackdown on land excavation in the area.
According to the residents in the area, the dry weather being experienced in the country and land excavation has caused a severe shortage of drinking water in the area.
Sources said that information has come to light of the land excavation extending to Kotugoda.
At present the illegal land excavation is being carried out in Udugampola, Yagodamulla, Nedagamuwa, Pasgammana, Kotugoda, Pathaduwana, UkgalgodaWeliya and Welhena in the Minuwangoda Divisional Secretary division.
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) said that they were aware of the land excavation taking place in the area and the Special Task Force (STF) was to be deployed to crackdown on the racket
GSMB Director General D.Sajjana De Silva said that they were keeping a close watch on the developments in the area.
During our visit to the area, residents complained that government officials including the Grama Sevaka, Samurdhi, Agriculture and GSMB officers or the police had not visited the area to investigate the matter.
Although the GSMB has issued three licenses to the 119/2 GS division for earth removal they expired in February 2017.
A visit to the Yagodamulla area revealed the District Secretary (DS) office has not issued clearance to carry out land excavation this year. An official of the local council said that the license of the last licensee who had obtained permission for earth removal, has also expired.
The Assistant Divisional Secretary said they had not been informed of land excavation taking place in the area and added that the GSMB is in charge of issuing licenses.
When this newspaper visited the Yagodamulla Junction several trucks were seen transporting soil out from the area via Sri Dhammaloka Mawatha. Land excavation was being carried out in broad daylight. The area that had been cleared amounted to 2,3 acres of land near Saddhatissapirivena road.
“We see a lot of trucks going here and there with soil but we do not know what happens to them,” area residents said.
A police officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that pursuing the issue was seen as problematic.
Notorious gangsters in the area, including Kalu Gamini, Lalinda, Sitha and Asitha are among those involved in the racket, sources revealed.
The Sunday Leader contacted the Police media unit and asked if they were aware of the racket but the police could not provide any information.
This newspaper also contacted the Officer in Charge of the Minuwangoda police station. The OIC however said the alleged racket did not fall within his area.
Crime OIC of the Minuwangoda police, Dissanayake said he was unaware of the land excavation being carried out in the area. He also said that the level of crimes in the area have reduced and insisted there was no undue political influence on their work.
The Sunday Leader witnessed persons and machinery used to remove earth moving freely in the area unchecked by the police.
The level of land excavation taking place in the area poses a threat to the Mahena Cemetery.
Another 50 perch plot of land was also being cleared in the area. However, it was temporarily halted due to strong objections from the residents.
While the Minuwangoda Police OIC had said that the area in question does not come under his jurisdiction, it is clear that the areas are within 7 km from the Minuwangoda police station.
The GS officer of the Minuwangoda 119/2 GS division A.A. Nishanthi said that she could not comment on the matter and asked us to contact the Divisional Secretariat.
“Last week we had to distribute water into 83 GS divisions in Minuwangoda. With the drought conditions this earth removal has caused a major shortage of water. We have informed the authorities about this issue. This issue has now claimed several lives. Most of the time these racketeers are able to secure licenses from the government with the help of undue influences. So we are only left with contacting the police. Some even think that we too are accepting bribes from these racketeers. I do not have any connections with the underworld, but there were certain local council members who openly supported these scandals. We do not approve Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake’s conduct in Divulapitiya but he spoke the truth. As we see it there is a lack of involvement from senior government officers. Furthermore, the loopholes in law have made it easy for these culprits to operate freely,” Minuwangoda Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) organiser Ruwan Ranatunga said.
Expressing his views on the matter, opposition Parliamentarian Prasanna Ranathunga said that when the former government was in power they were able to draw attention to the racket and bust it.
“ But after January 08 2015, these racketeers have once again started to operate in public. At the local development committee meeting its chairman Edward Gunasekera said that this has to stop as it is causing the breach of public peace as well as environmental damage. We have already urged the President to take action to stop this issue but so far nothing has happened. The government officials are working in fear of underworld gangsters. So these earth removal scams are going on under government sponsorship. That is why the authorities cannot stop this,” he said.
Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake said “At present the scandal at Divulapitiya has been stopped by the Mines Bureau, the CEA and the Divisional Secretariat. I do not know much about the land excavation in Yagodamulla. Some people have even accused me of being involved in these rackets but we were the ones who objected to the transportation of soil from Akaragama to Muthurajawela to reclaim land. I have obtained the details about MP Indika Anuruddha via RIT. His family members are also involved in this racket. Due to this issue, MP Indika even tried to kill me. I have lodged a complaint at the Police on the matter but no matter how much they try to sling mud at me, people know who I am.”
In reply,
MP Indika Anuruddha said “Our past generations have been carrying out this trade for many years. We have factories that produce tiles and bricks. I have not aided any illegal activity. It is Minister Ramanayaka who is aiding the culprits. My Uncle D.W.L. Appuhami has become angry with me after I had refused to give him soil consignments. Then he has joined hands with Ranjan. Accordingly Ranjan has even sent a letter to the District Secretary asking him to extend the license of an earth removing quarry that is being maintained by Appuhami. I challenge him to show his innocence.”
However, the problem of illegal earth removal is going on without a solution. It has now come to a hazardous stage. Thus it is now up to the President of the country to put an end to this madness. We will be revealing more information on the matter in our future episodes.
Source – 15/03/2017,The Sunday Leader, See more at – http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/03/12/underworld-behind-land-excavation-racket/
ASMEC 2017 and Agricultural Exhibition in Gannoruwa
nnual Symposium on Minor Export Crops (ASMEC) and Agricultural Exhibition – 2017 will be held at Plant Genetic Resources Centre Gannoruwa, Peradeniya on 16th and 17th of March.
The Symposium will be held from 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is organized for the fourth time by the Department of Export Agriculture, Ministry of Primary Industries.
This year’s theme for the symposium is “Export Agricultural Crops for Green World”
(Government News Portal)
Source- 14/03/2017, Ceylon Today, See more at – http://www.ceylontoday.lk/article20170101CT20170331.php?id=4406
Whose garbage is it, anyway?
This is a picture of the enormous garbage dump in Meethotamulla as seen from the HNB tower in Colombo 10. The photos show garbage is being pulled up by excavators. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi – See more
Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi.
Source – 14/03/2017, Dailymirror,See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Whose-garbage-is-it-anyway–125418.html#sthash.riy1UDrb.dpuf
One-minute video competition to mark International Day of Forests
The International Day of Forests (IDF) is celebrated globally on 21st March each year under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
This global celebration of forests is used as a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests for the benefit of current and future generations. Therefore,on each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local and national efforts to organize activities involving forests and treesunder an annual theme.
While this year’s global IDFtheme will concentrate on Forests and Energy, FAO Sri Lanka is joining forces through the Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme with the Forest Department and Climate Change Secretariat of Sri Lanka, as well as SLYCAN Trust, Thuru App Team and IUCN Sri Lanka to organize a one-minute video competition under the theme: Value of Forests. Market leader of Sri Lanka’s cement industry INSEE Cement has come forward as the private sectorsponsor of the event. “Forests play an important role in fighting global warming and regulating climatic conditions.
People all over the world are now uniting to protect existing forests and to increase forested areas in order to face this common threat,” states FAO Representative in Sri Lanka Ms Nina Brandstrup. She further stressed the need to create awareness on the need to protect forests and highlight the benefits forests provide through creative means.
The one-minute video competition aims to create awareness on the important role played by foreststhat include fighting climate change; regulating weather patterns; providing livelihoods; preserving biodiversity; ensuring water security; preventing natural disasters; and maintaining soil quality, among other.
The competition, which is open to all citizens of Sri Lanka encourages entrants to develop an MP4 or AVI video of a maximum duration of 1 minute, which could be filmed using a video camera, a smartphone, or computer-generated animation or a combination of all these.
The video would be judged on creativity, relevance to theme and clarity of message. The winner of the 1st Prize will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 100,000 by INSEE Cement with the 2nd and 3rd prizes being set at Rs. 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively .
Source – See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/One-minute-video-competition-to-mark-International-Day-of-Forests-125392.html#sthash.BZOdUewl.dpuf
Stop landfilling and building on reservation land: Farmers in Kataragama
They allege marshy wetlands are being filled to build hotels, rest houses and restaurants and that around 1000 acres of irrigation land would be destroyed if this landfill continued.
The Grama Niladhari divisions worst affected include Kataragama, Sella Kataragama, Kandasurindugama, Detagamuwa and Karavile covering the Kataragama Divisional Zone.
Businessmen from the towns are coming to their villages and threatening the livelihood of around 5000 families. The filling of irrigation tanks and the river basin is making paddy cultivation more and more difficult, Janasetha Farmers’ Association Secretary, W.A.K.Piyadasa said. He added generations have lived in these areas using water from these tanks and they have to be protected.
Anyone who comes to Kataragama or Detagamuwa can witness the construction of parapet walls coming up around hotels, guest houses and swimming pools that are being built. These have been mentioned in the petition submitted to the President and the Prime Minister, Mr. Piyadasa said.
He alleged that the landfilling has affected Goyagala wewa, Kohombha wewa, Chandere wewa, Kukulkatuwa wewa, Gerikatu wewa, Samurdhi wewa and the Akkara Visse wewa and the reservation areas have been forcefully encroached upon.
The farmers allege that the businessmen have prepared forged documents to show ownership of these reservation areas.
Janasetha Farmers’ Association president, Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera, Kataragama, Ven. Kobawaka Daminda Thera said they had informed the authorities in writing about these activities.
He said the Goyagala wewa irrigated some 125 acres of paddy and sustained 48 farming families. The water capacity of this tank had drastically reduced due to unauthorised filling. “This is only one example. But the situation is similar with regard to 20 irrigation tanks surrounding the divisional area. We hope that the Presidential Task Force on Environment will carryout a probe on the matter,” the Thera said.
Meanwhile Kataragama Divisional Agrarian Services Development Officer Sunil Sriyananda said he had received similar complaints. “These lands are managed by the Divisional Secretariat” he said, adding that the tank reservation areas need to be surveyed before claims of encroachment of these areas are looked into,” he said.
Commenting on the matter, Kataragama Divisional Secretary, S. Weerakoon said the land area under the Divisional Secretariat is around 80,000 acres and about 80% of this land has been demarcated as forest reservations. “Some people prepare forged documents and sell lands to businessmen,” he said.
Moneragala District Secretary Mrs. D.S.Padmakularuriya conceded that unauthorised constructions had come up in these reservation areas in Detagamuwa.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170312/news/stop-landfilling-and-building-on-reservation-land-farmers-in-kataragama-232452.html
