Chundankadu Forest Reserve:

Stiff opposition to banana cultivation

Disna Mudalige

The Forest Department has opposed the proposed project of banana cultivation in Chundankadu forest reserve and the proposed Forest Reserve adjoining it, said a Forest Department Senior Official to the Daily News.

According to the proposed project, 15,000 acres of forest land will be converted to banana plantation destroying the biodiversity of the forest. This area is identified as a typical dry zone tropical forest.

"Instead we propose to use the abandoned sugarcane lands in Kantale, which spread for about 12,000 acres. This will save the forest and its natural habitats," he said.

According to a field survey conducted by the Forest Department, Chundankadu area is not suitable for economic development including the cultivation of banana. The canopy density of this forest is 60-80 percent. The density of plants in the proposed forest reserve is between 11,200 and 12,300 per hectare. Animals such as deers, bears, sambur deers and wild boar are a common sight in this forest, and as reported 50-60 elephants are also seen in them.

Green Movement spokesman Bandu Ranga Kariyawasam objecting to the banana plantation project mentioned that, 5,000 acres of the proposed project would be from the Chundankadu forest reserve and the balance 10,000 acres from the proposed reserve.

Large number of valuable timber trees can be found in these forests, and Janaranjana wewa and Sooriya wewa also are located in this area.