Elephant detention centre work in full swing

Nimal WIJESINGHE-Anuradhapura Additional District Group Corr

Construction work on the proposed Wild Elephant Detention Centre at Horowpothana is in progress. The surveying of the 3,000 acre plot of land earmarked for the centre has been completed and preliminary work relating to the construction of iron and electrified fences is nearing completion. The fence will be 16 kilometres in length. The Wildlife Department will spend Rs 200 million for the project.

Wildlife Conservation Department Sources said stubborn and fierce elephants will be moved to the detention centre for rehabilitation. The Horowpothana Elephants Detention centre will be technically more advanced than the detention centre at Lunugamwehera. Minister S M Chandrasena told the Daily News that the centre will have facilities for local and foreign tourists including observation decks, facilities for safaris in the jungle along with food and beverages.

The income derived from tourists would be utilized for the maintenance and improvements of the centre. "It has been planned to open similar centres at Galgamuwa and Maduruoya areas since such projects help decrease the human-elephant conflict. Farmer families of surrounding villages are encouraged to grow vegetables, fruits and other herb varieties edible by elephants, " Chandrasena said.

It is envisaged to commission the Horowpothana elephant detention centre before the end of this year.