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Alien invasive aquatic plant threatens 'Madu Ganga' estuary

by W. T. J. S. Kaviratne (Ambalangoda Special Correspondent)

Fishermen and motor boat operators of Maduganga estuary are the worst affected by the invasive aquatic plant species scientifically known as ‘Najas marina’.

Over the years, 'Maduganga of Balapitiya' identified as an estuary by environmentalists has become a sought after tourist attraction located on the south coast of Sri Lanka.

Both local and foreign environmentalists explore Maduganga for its richness in biodiversity of fauna and flora.

Nature lovers who frequent Maduganga right throughout the year both local and foreign irrespective of whatever clime they may arrive whisper 'paradise could not be so far from here' when enchanted by its natural beauty at first sight.

Illicit distilleries of Kassippu under the cover of mangroves in Maduganga estuary

Even the Sri Lankans get this feeling due to its unique natural beauty enhanced by the innumerable islets fringed by profusely grown mangroves and other mangrove related species of foliage.

Out of the total area of 915 hectares of the estuary, nearly 770 hectares identified as water while the land mass of the existing islets in only 144.7 hectares. Maduganga meanders through islets surrounded by 53 hectares of different species of mangroves.

'Lumnitzera racemosa' (Berliya", 'Lumnitzera littorea' (Rathmilla), 'Excoecaaria agallocha' (Thelakiriya), 'Acrosticum aurem' (Karan koku), 'Bruguiera gymnorhiza' (Mal kadol), 'Rhizophora apiculata' (Ela Kadol) and 'Sooneratia caseolaris' (Kirala) have been identified as the important mangroves found on the banks of Maduganga and on the islets.

In addition to these mangroves several species of endemic plants are also found profusely grown among the mangroves.

Small time, traditional fishermen of Maduganga estuary of Balapitiya are the most affected by the speedy motor boats and the invasive ‘Najas marina’ plant species.

As usual due to human action several species of animals are no longer found in this wetland. Sixty species of birds and twenty eight species of fish, different species of prawns are also found according to scientific surveys carried out both by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the IUCN - World Conservation Union.Throughout the country, in almost all the wetlands, illicit makeshift distilleries of 'Kasippu' are found and Maduganga estuary and its islets are no exception. Inside the thickly grown mangrove swamps, large areas could be seen cleared for this purpose.

Removing Mangroves to put to illicit Kasippu distilleries and speedy motor boats were considered the major human activities which exerted great impact on the biodiversity of sensitive Maduganga ecosystem. The emergence of alien invasive aquatic plant species known as 'Najas marina' (Katu penda) according to environmentalists is worst in comparison to other environmental constraints. While numerous environmentalists conservation organisations had launched numerous conservation programmes unfortunately certain mushroom organisations merely on pecuniary interests on the pretext of promoting ecotourism are engaged in compiling 'project reports' to gain funds from public sector environmental institutions and foreign donors. These organisations had done nothing to improve the living conditions of the islanders nor to protect the environment of Maduganga estuary.

Amidst planning and research and compiling project reports, invasive 'Najas marina' is fast spreading on the upper reaches of Maduganga like a thick green carpet. The islanders of Maduganga estuary are of the opinion the so called friends of Maduganga are really its enemies.

Addressing a media briefing on Wetlands, held in Sri Lanka Country Office of IUCN - The World Conservation Union, the Head of the Biodiversity Section, Dr. Channa Bambaradeniya revealed the gravity of the damage caused by this alien invasive aquatic plant species to the biodiversity of the wetlands in the country.

According to Dr. Bambaradeniya, 'Najas marina' had already invaded even the important lagoons of Ramsar Wetland of Bundala.

In addition to coastal lagoons, marshes, estuaries and irrigation canals even the tanks have been invaded by this plant.

So far no remedial action has been taken against the spread of this plant species. Recently a team of environmentalists and trainees of Environmental Journalism made a field study tour to Maduganga sponsored by Sri Lanka Environmental Journalist Forum headed by its Chairman, Dr. Dharman Wickremaratne. All of these Trainee Environmental Journalists could observe the impact of this invasive plant species on the biodiversity of Maduganga estuary.

According to the book on 'World Weeds, Natural History and Distribution, 'Najas marina' has become an invasive aquatic plant in many of the continents including Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe.

Now just after a few months since its emergence, the upper reaches of the banks of Maduganga are inaccessible due to thickly grown 'Najas marina'.

All the stakeholders living on the resources of Maduganga estuary have been affected by this invasive aquatic plant. Motor boat operators of Maduganga take extreme care to avoid areas covered by this invasive plant as the blades of the propellers of motor boats could be damaged and if entangled they said it was extremely difficult to extricate the net like plant.In addition, the traditional fishermen engaged in sustainable methods of fishing in the lagoon, using 'hook and the line' said that their only livelihood was gravely affected both by the speedy motor boats carrying the sightseers and the 'invasive plant species' found in the shallow areas of the Maduganga.

Earlier these anglers fished in close proximity to banks of the river avoiding massive ripples caused by the speedy motor boats but now as this invasive plant is thickly grown by the bank, small time fishermen of Maduganga have found it extremely difficult to survive.

Dr. Bambaradeniya said that there were millions of minute seeds in the pods of the plant and any attempt to remove the plant would only facilitate to spread the seeds. It was revealed that both the ornamental plant and fish importers who had also imported this invasive plant. Some researchers claimed that the migratory birds from other climes could also be instrumental on the dispersal of the seeds of 'Najas marina' to the wetlands of Sri Lanka.

Higher levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen commonly associated with agricultural runoffs used to promote a condition called 'eutrophication.'Eutrophication is a biological process leading to rapid growth of invasive species of plants such as 'Najas marina'.

The speedy growth of 'Najas marina' in Maduganga is also attributed to the run offs of chemical fertilizers used in the bordering cinnamon cultivations of Maduganga.

If no immediate action is taken to control the spread of this invasive plant, the wetland ecosystem would soon transform into a terrestrial ecosystem, said Dr. Bambaradeniya.

Fascinating Ravana Ella polythene-free 

by Florence Wickramage 

"From Seylan to paradise is a distance of 40 Italian miles, so that 'tis said that sound of waters falling from the fountains of paradise is heard here" - Giovanni de Marignolli (14th Century). The beauty of veils of water gracefully cascading down mountain slopes is a refreshing sight ... a source of perennial joy. Sri Lanka is blessed with 272 waterfalls dotting the luscious hill-country, with velvety tea gardens as a backdrop at certain places, the beauty of each surpassing the other. 

Among famous waterfalls in the Uva-Sabaragamuwa region on the Ella-Wellawaya road is the awe-inspiring Ravana Ella, steeped in legend. The tiered waterfall amidst huge mountains and rolling valleys cascades down a height of 131 feet. Long years ago, the waterfall was enveloped within an emerald abode, the tree cover now thinned under the axe of timber loggers. 

Legend 

Sita, according to legend was imprisoned in the Ravana Guhawa (cave hide-out of Ravana) from where she stealthily made her way along a hidden path to the cool gushing waters to have her daily bath. Ven. Omare Kitalelle Dhammaloka Thera of the Ravana Ella Raja Maha Viharaya said that the Ravana Guhawa is found at the top of the Ella mountain and there was evidence that the "Dandu Monaraya" of Ravana took off from this spot. The Ravana Ella temple was constructed by King Valagamba and the Bambaragama Kande ela was the original Ravana Ella. 

The Falls 

The Ravana Ella cascades down a majestic height and at the base where water falls by the side of the road, is a deceptively alluring and seemingly harmless spot for bathing. But we were informed that the pool was treacherous and the base had a depth of 62 feet with whirlpool tendencies. There is no board to warn would-be bathers of its dangers which had already claimed several lives. 

The Ravana Ella area was made a sanctuary in the 1990s. There had been a board with the words "Ravana Ella Sanctuary. Clearing of forest, hunting and shooting prohibited. Director, Wildlife Conservation Department". This board is no more. 

Anti-polythene 

A group of us journalists were recently afforded an opportunity to observe several programs undertaken by the Upper Watershed Management Project (UWMP). We visited Ravana Ella and was relieved to see a clean environment. In the past due to heavy tourist traffic, Ravana Ella environs had been polluted with empty polythene bags, bottles and broken pieces of glass-bottles. The UWMP has launched an anti-polythene campaign around selected waterfalls. Ravana Ella is one. There were no ugly sights of pollution as had been in the past. Polythene has been completely done away with. Instead, fruit sellers now use "Kende Kola gotu" to put in pieces of cut-up fruit like mango and pine-apple, for the convenience of visitors. The fruit-stalls, refreshingly neat with fresh paint displayed boards "Let us protect the Ravana Ella". 

This message was also colourfully displayed on the white tee-shirts worn by the fruit sellers. Bags neatly placed by the fruit stalls for visitors to throw in their garbage was another welcome sight. The UWMP hopes to replace these bags with environment-friendly reed or bamboo bins in the near future. Devotedly pursuing the anti-polythene drive were Ranjith, Wasantha, Udaya, Jayamini, Suminda, Dhanapala, Pathmasiri, Gunapala, Nimal and several others. They informed us when visitors come up to their stalls to purchase fruits and drinks, they take the opportunity to inform the visitors about their efforts aimed at preserving a clean environment. These vendors confirm that the anti-polythene campaign has been well received and visitors were very co-operative. 

Bambarakanda 

UWMP's attention has been drawn to yet another waterfall. This is the breathtakingly beautiful Bambarakanda Falls, the highest fall in the island. Just four miles away from the Colombo-Bandarawela road and few miles from the Haldummulla town, Bambarakanda Falls picturesquely set in a green forest glade cascades down 790 feet like liquid light. Acres of fast growing pine trees adorn the landscape around the Bambarakanda Falls. These imported trees are not the best forest cover for our island as they suck up large quantities of water. Project Director D. P. Munaweera explained that these trees drain the watershed areas as well as pose a threat to the waterfall. A conservation program has been planned by the UWMP to ensure the protection of the Bambarakanda Falls. 

Dancing Waters 

Of the myriad delights of nature the visual fascination of falling water, "in full bloom" during monsoon rains with shiny silver ribbons streaming down mountain slopes and rock slabs ..... the rhythm and the music of the wild dance of falling waters does deeply touch the mind, the body and the spirit with its wonder and grace.

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