Illegal constructions out in coastal belt
Disna Mudalige
* More powers to CCD by new law
*Demolition costs to be recovered from
offenders
The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has decided to take strict
action against illegal constructions in the coastal belt using the new
powers vested in it under the amended Coastal Conservation Act approved
by Parliament recently.
CCD Director General Anil Premaratne told the Daily News that court
cases will be filed against owners of these illegal buildings and a fine
not less than Rs 5,000 and not more than Rs 25,000 will be imposed on
them at the first conviction.
He said that if the offenders who maintain the illegal constructions
continue the same offence disregarding the court decision, the amended
Act has the provisions to impose a fine not less than Rs 1,000 and not
more than Rs 5,000 per day on them.
He said that unauthorized constructions in the coastal belt have
resulted in accelerated coastal erosion and pollution and therefore the
CCD has decided to strictly implement these laws.
Premaratne said that the unauthorized buildings which are built very
close to the sea will be demolished and the expenses spent on them will
be recovered from the offenders. He said that several illegal
constructions in Arugam Bay were demolished last week and this process
will also be carried out in other coastal areas.
He observed that the coastal stretch in the Southern Province
comprises the majority of illegal constructions.
He also explained that legal action will also be sought for the
illegal fillings of water bodies and sand mining. The amended Act has
also made provisions to arrest an offender without a warrant for
violating its laws and regulations aiming for an efficient coastal
conservation and coastal resource management.
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