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| Saturday, 20 November 2004 |
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The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has directed the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and Police to take action to stop gem mining at Bogawantalawa causing large scale environmental destruction. CEA Chairman Tilak Ranaviraja yesterday wrote to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman requesting him to cancel the licences issued by the Authority for gem mining in the area and to take action to rehabilitate the area to its original condition. Ranaviraja who is also the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order has also directed DIG Nuwara Eliya W.M. Ariyaratne to take immediate action to prevent gem mining which is causing serious damage to the Castlereigh Reservoir causing siltation of the reservoir. Ranaviraja in his letter to the Chairman, National Gem and Jewellery Authority states:"As you are aware the large scale environmental destruction taking place due to gem mining activities in the Bogawantalawa area has been highlighted in several media reports. "Inspections of the area carried out by the officers of the Central Environmental Authority has revealed that mechanized gem mining is being carried out in this extremely ecologically sensitive area using heavy machinery including backhoes, causing severe damage to the entire area. "It has been reported to me that the banks of the Begawan oya/ Kehelgamuwa Oya are damaged due to excavation and that the excavated soil is being deposited in a haphazard manner, thereby increasing siltation in the Oya. The Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board has also reported to me, that as a result of this activity there could be very serious impacts on the Castlereigh Reservoir including increased siltation, and that there is also the high risk of drying up the water sources that feed the reservoir. "I would like to request that immediate action be taken to cancel the licences which have been issued, and to take action to rehabilitate the area to the original condition". |
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