Strict guidelines for constructions

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Coast Conservation Department Research and Design Division is creating disaster hazard maps on tsunami, coastal erosion, sea level rise and storm surge to create guidelines for development activities, said Research and Design Division Senior Engineer Bandula Wickramarachchi.

He said that the department will strictly work on these guidelines and if people will not adhere these guidelines they will not be granted permissions for their constructions.

A sample map for Galle district has been completed and maps will be completed before the year end.

The Coast Conservation Department has also started a long term program named Climate Change Observation and Monitoring Window to observe and monitor the rich coastal area from Puttalam to Mannar with the support of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tokyo University and Thailand's Asian Institute of Technology. In addition to them a coastal water quality monitoring program is also being conducted in Mount Lavinia, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Polhena, Arugambay and Nilaveli coastal areas to identify polluting sources.