CCD monitors South West coastal belt erosion

Disna MUDALIGE

The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) is monitoring coastal erosion affecting the South West coastal belt and is ready for any emergency, Director General Dr Anil Premaratne said yesterday.

He said coastal erosion of the South West belt is a natural phenomenon at this time of the year with the approach of the South West monsoon.

Dr Premaratne said large scale coastal erosion has now been prevented to a greater extent with the implementation of the beach nourishment programme by the Department. He said the government allocated Rs 500 million this year to take effective action to control coastal erosion and pollution.

Dr Premaratne said prominent areas which needed urgent attention including Dikoya, Wennappuwa and Marawila have been protected from extensive coastal erosion.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre reported that six houses in Ratmalana were damaged on Thursday due to sea erosion. Two houses were fully damaged while four had been partially damaged. DMC had brought the situation under control by yesterday.