|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Thursday, 06 January 2005 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
by Florence Wickramage Environment and Natural Resources Minister A.H.M.Fowzie has instructed the police and Government Agents of affected areas to stop people burning tsunami- debris at public places as this could pose health hazards. The Minister warned that the burning of debris including polythene, plastics and pvc at public places could pollute the environment by releasing toxic gases into the air. "Inhaling this polluted air could expose public to lung diseases and cancer," he said. Several places have been identified as dumping grounds for the tsunami debris, Fowzie said. The Minister also said not to use the sea as a dumping ground. The Minister told the Daily News yesterday that during a recent visit to affected areas, he personally witnessed groups of people burning planks, polythene, plastics and pvc at public places at Moratuwa. At the Galle Stadium, loads of planks were being bull-dozed into the sea, Fowzie said. Planks of destroyed buildings could be used at refugee camps where mass-scale cooking is taking place. Planks and other timber of the tsunami aftermath should be diverted to these camps for better use, the Minister said. Fowzie said whilst being mindful of the havoc wrecked by tsunami tidal waves, further pollution of the environment cannot be encouraged. He has instructed authorities to divert tsunami debris to locations identified for the purpose. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
