Legal action against illegal forest clearing

Disna MUDALIGE

The Wildlife Conservation Department (WCD) has sought legal assistance against illegal forest clearing in Yoda Wewa Sanctuary, WCD Director General H D Ratnayake told the Daily News yesterday.

He said that the Department filed a case in the Mannar Magistrate's court against the clearing of about 75 acres of forest land along the Yoda wewa river bank since the relevant authorities involved in this act have not obtained prior permission.

He said that the legal procedure is continuing and the culprits will be brought before the law as soon as possible. Environment Conservation Trust Director Sajeewa Chamikara revealed that those who are involved in this project have only acquired permission for a spill gates renovation project in the Yoda Wewa.

He observed that this is a violation of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

According to the National Environment Act, prior written approval should be obtained, if any development activity is carried out within a sanctuary or within a 100 metre zone outside the boundary line of sanctuary.

The Yoda Wewa Sanctuary consists of 4330 hectares and is a traditional homeland for a large number of wild elephants.