BY Niranjala Ariyawansha
Environmental organizations claim that the Maussakele Reservoir, which supplies water to main hydropower stations in the upcountry, is polluted by the dumping of solid waste, which does not perish. This, they say, is severely affecting the surrounding environment and the fish in the reservoir.
According to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Maussakele Reservoir supplies water to the New Laxapana and Canyon Hydro Power Stations.
Environmentalists emphasize that water from the Maussakele Reservoir, is being supplied through the Maskeliya Oya and daily, a large amount of garbage is being thrown into this reservoir. They said that on rainy days, garbage from the Maskeliya city is also dumped into the reservoir.
Since there is no rain these days, the water level in the reservoir has dropped and the garbage that has been deposited on the bottom of the reservoir can be clearly seen, according to environmentalists.
Responding to a Ceylon Today, inquiry, Deputy General Manager of the Laxapana Power Plant Complex, Anura Herath said that, this has become a huge problem.
“Actually it is the people who should basically be aware of this situation. As a result of this dumping of waste, drinking water gets polluted. Garbage from residents in the vicinity of the reservoir, as well as from the Maskeliya city is disposed of into the Maussakele Reservoir. During the Sri Pada season, people also travel on this road. Then, a large number of non-perishable items, such as empty water bottles and other waste are collected. As the CEB, even though we remove this waste, we do not have adequate staff. People should know, not to cause harm to public property in this manner,” Herath said.
He added that under these circumstances, in collaboration with the Divisional Secretary, a programme to raise awareness among the public, is required.
Under the Laxapana Power Stations Complex, which belongs to the National Power Grid, Laxapana, New Laxapana, Wimalasurendra, Canyon and Polpitiya hydropower plants are situated around and in the vicinity of the Maussakele Reservoir.
Source – 01/04/2017, Ceylon Today , See more at – http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170101CT20170331.php?id=18296
