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| Wednesday, 16 July 2003 |
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Floods, cyclonic winds and the impact on old trees in Colombo Cyclonic winds and floods cause havoc in this country not only to people and property but also to ancient trees standing and giving much to the city of Colombo. After a flood or storm one sees the CMC men going around cutting and chopping these fallen trees. It will indeed be more commendable if the CMC took it upon itself to take preventive measure before storms as seen in the recent past hit the roads and cities in and around Colombo. For what was very evident during this time was the fact that most havoc was caused by old trees falling across the roads. To see such magnificent ancient trees fallen on the ground and thereafter chopped into bits of log was enough to bring tears to one's eyes. Why did these trees fall? Trees which have been around for as long as we can remember? Magnificent massive pillars of green that have managed to withstand time and the torment of winds and rain. The fact is that these trees can go on and on for years and years with little maintenance on the part of those concerned. If the CMC can get their men to go around at regular intervals and trim the branches which can turn out to be hazardous and therefore prevent them from falling down on the roads, then that problem can be taken care of. Another problem facing the trees is that the Urban Development Authority, in all its ignorance tend to go around not only tarring the roads but tarring the roots of the trees as well. Thereby leaving no room for the roots to "breathe". And when there is no ground support for the trees because the roots are dead, naturally they tend to topple over when there are heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. Many complaints have been written to the UDA, the CMC and the Environment Ministry of the total lack of concern for these trees. But all one hears is a thunderous silence and none have taken any preventive measures for protection. The CMC can easily go around and see that the trees are protected as well as the properties of those living in and around the area. They have the men and the tax payers monies to pay for it. The UDA, meanwhile can take steps to educate their personnel about the necessity to protect old trees when tarring roads. We all love walking or driving under the cool shades of the these huge old trees. But what do we do to protect them? Sadly, very little. Not only should the laws be strengthened but also implemented to protect these centuries old trees, they are all we have that is beautiful in the city of Colombo - tell me what else is there? V. L. GUNASEKERA, The acronym AIDS gained currency during the penultimate decade of the 20th century, following the spread of deadly HIV virus. Similarly the acronym SARS has been added to the vocabulary in the former part of the current year because of the cureless and dreaded virus which spread across the world from China to Canada, resulting in hundreds of fatalities. Whether we like it or not the acronym AIDS will remain in the usage for a considerable length of time, as the advanced medical researches are yet to find a permanent cure. The number of afflicted human beings with HIV, is on the increase, all over the world. However, there are indications that the SARS virus and the devastation followed by spreading of it, will be consigned to oblivion with the passage of time. The number of afflicted persons is dwindling, all over the world. Unbeknown to all of us, the latest versions of AIDS and SARS will affect the economies of the developing countries in world, in general and those in our region in particular. They are the Acute Income Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the Severe Acute Revenue Scarcity (SARS). S.G. RATNAYAKE, |
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