Endemic species threatened by dynamite blasting

Priyanka Kurugala

According to natural scientists, around 55 rare and endemic species of plants and animals are being threatened along the Mahaweli river due to indiscriminate dynamiting for construction work.

There are around 187 animal and plant species bordering the Mahaweli which are endangered.

This area is very important historically to the country.

Threatened animal and plant species. Pictures by Pradeep Samarawicrama and Deepthi Yakandawala

Due to dynamite blasting, construction projects and other human activities, the natural systems of this area are imperiled.

Cryptocoryne is a most valuable aquatic plant which is commonly known as 'Athi-udayan' or 'water trumpet'. They are among the most unique aquarium plants in the world and 10 species exist in Sri Lanka which are endemic to the country. Two such species are found near the Mahaweli river Peradeniya University Faculty of Science, Department of Botany Prof. Deepthi Yakandawala told the Daily News.

Four Cryptocoryne species have been witnessed in the rapids at Halloluwa/Hakkinda in the Mahaweli Ganga. This is the location where the dam is been built for a hydro power plant. Cryptocoryne parva grows closest to the water where the water course is rapid, Cryptocoryne walkeri grower a little further up, but also is exposed, while Cryptocoryne beckettii and Cryptocoryne undulata are found even further up on the banks, she said. Farmeria metzgerioides and Polypleurum elongatum are two endemic members of the seven species of the Podostemaceae family foundin Sri Lanka. Out of the seven species recorded in the country, six species are found at Halloluwa/Hakkinda.

Natural Environmental Scientist Pradeep Samarawicrama said, due to unsystematic development projects and environmentally harmful programmes of the area Labeo fisheri (Gadaya) and Rusty spotted cat (Kola Diviya) are threatened, with extinction, he emphasized.

He said, the water cutting ferry of the procession of the Temple of the Tooth Relic is situated at this site.

Apart from that such activities damage the natural beauty of the area.

The Natural habitation of Gadaya is being threatened due to continuous blasting. Therefore the authorities have to take action to protect this beautiful and historical site for the future generation, he said.

The most wide and narrow sites of the Mahaweli Ganga between two kilometres from Getambe to Dodanwala in Kandy are the most affect by this situation.