ITN swaps anniversary bash for elephant protection

by Anjana Gamage and Nadira Gunatilake

The 26th anniversary celebrations of the Independent Television Network (ITN) which falls on June 5 this year will held with a difference.

Instead of the traditional anniversary 'do' marked by musical fiestas and cultural shows ITN will this time focus its main attention towards saving the Udawalawa National Park,from the fast spreading 'gandapana' weed which has started destroying the plant food of the animals of the Park.

This was disclosed yesterday by ITN Chairman Newton Guneratne at a press conference held at the Galle Face Hotel in connection with the 26th anniversary celebration program.

A team of nearly 500 individuals comprising students, soldiers and scouts will gather at the Udawalawa National Park on June 5 at 7.45 am to weed out these 'gandapana' plants which have spread over 8000 hectares within the Park.

Addressing the press conference by Dayananda Kariyawasam, Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department said: " The World Environmental Day which falls every year on June 5 was nominated by the United Nations at a program held in Stockholm in 1972.

Making an attitudinal change on the part of the decision makers entrusted with environment protection is one of the main objective of the world environmental day. That is what we are going to do this year in collaboration with the ITN".

According to him, Udawalawa situated in the Sabaragamuwa province has a total of 30,000 hectares and about 500 elephants live within its boundary. "We have to create a good environment for these elephants and have to protect the water supply system as well", he said.

He said at present there is an elephant population of 3000 in the country. "Each animal needs 2000 kg of food and between 250-300 Ltrs of water per day. There should be some sufficient space for elephants and at least 5km square is required for one elephant".

In all around 17,500 square kms., is required for all the elephants,but currently the animals were confined to only about 8500 square kms inside their security zone. "It is a major requirement to increase the forest space for these 3000 elephants".

He said owing to the growth of 'gandapana' trees over 7000 hectares in Udawalawa posed a major threat to the plants consumed by the elephants and other animals as they have been overrun by the 'gandapana' weed.

"In this effort of ensuring more foliage and plant food for the animals, we have organised ourselves to eradicate this 'gandapana' menace" he said He said upto now they had cleaned around 2000 hectares.

He also pointed out that 80 percent of forest cover which existed in the early nineties have now shrunk to 25 percent. "When there is no space for elephants, they try to break out .

A recent survey has also revealed that 70 percent of elephants live outside their habitat. Due to the human- elephant conflict, about 50 human beings and 120 elephants get killed every year, he said.