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Pavithra Ganga programme launched on Kelani banks

by Florence Wickramage

A Rs. 280,000 pilot project to provide information regarding the quality of the waters of the Kelani River for its users was launched recently under the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry's "Pavithra Ganga" (Clean Rivers) programme on the banks of the Kelani River on the Kudagama Road at Avissawella.

For this purpose information boards which would be updated regularly once in a fortnight were installed on the banks of the Kelani and near the C.V. Gooneratne Trade City under the auspices of the Environment Ministry, the Central Environment Authority and the Local Government institutions of the area.

Taking into consideration the sentivity of the Kelani River, the Pavithra Ganga Co-ordinating Committee has undertaken the responsibility of installing information boards at 12 identified places wich would provide updated information about the Kelani Waters. The information provided would include whether the waters would be suitable for drinking, bathing, cooking purposes etc.

The boards would serve as an education programme for users of river waters which would in turn involve community participation in the Ministry's efforts to protect and conserve the river waters.

The entire Pavithra Ganga pilot project ensures the participation of 13 provincial bodies inlcuding the Western Provincial Council and allied institutions.

At present the river is polluted due to dumping of solid waste by industrial institutions and residents, draining of chemical and fertiliser waste into the river, gem mining and people living in the vicinity using the Kelani banks for their personal use.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Chairman Mr. Arsekularatne of the Seethawaka Municipal Council, Director CEA Ms. L.P.Batuwitage, Environment and Natural Resources Ministry's Deputy Director Anura Jayatilleke and other officials. 

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