No forest clearance within Wilpattu Buffer zone
Disna MUDALIGE
The Forest Conservation Department (FCD) has not granted permission
for a forest clearance within the one mile buffer zone of the Wilpattu
National Park, said Conservator General H M Hitisekera when inquired by
the Daily News yesterday.
He said that any forest land coming under the department in the
Wanathawilluwa Divisional Secretariat Division had not been released for
any institution to carry out agricultural projects.
It was reported that 254 acres in Moradawilluwa and Thausamadama near
Kala Oya are being cleared to be distributed among people for
cultivation claiming that they have obtained FCD permission.
Environment Conservation Trust Director Sajeewa Chamikara pointed out
that the forest clearance may aggravate the human-elephant conflict
while disturbing the eco-system of this area. He observed that written
permission should be obtained from the Wildlife Conservation Department
(WCD) director general before starting such a project according to the
process of environment impact assessment specified under the National
Environment Act. Otherwise it is a violation of the Fauna and Flora
Protection Ordinance.
When inquired from WCD Director General H D Ratnayake, he noted that
the Department has not granted permission to this project.
He noted that the department will not hesitate to take legal action
against any project carried out within forest lands that come under its
perview, if it has harmed the environment violating the environment laws
and regulations. Wanathawilluwa Divisional Secretary was not available
for comment. |