Friday, September 17, 2004
Indian Ship Canal Project Threatens Sri Lankan Ecology
Damitha Hemachandra, OneWorld South Asia
COLOMBO, Sept 15 (OneWorld) - Environmentalists in Sri Lanka are protesting against India's US $1.09 billion proposal to construct a deep ship canal from the Gulf of Mannar to the Bay of Bengal, claiming it will disturb the water balance in the northern Jaffna Peninsular, trigger erosion of the coastline and endanger a large oceanic national park in the island nation.
Experts fear the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project cleared by the Indian government on September 2 will cause irreparable damage to nearly a quarter of the island.
The project proposes the development of a ship canal to connect the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay, enabling movement of ships between India's East and West coast through a continuous navigable sea route around the peninsula within India's own territorial waters.
The channel will save about 400 nautical miles and up to 36 hours of sailing time for ships between the East and West coasts.
But in the process it may severely impact the eco-sensitive region. Remarks spokesperson of Sri Lanka's leading environmental group, Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL) Vinod Munasinghe, "The heavy dredging required to create the shipping canal through the Rameswaram Island could disturb the water balance of the Jaffna Peninsular and threaten the fragile coast line of the Gulf of Mannar."
He elaborates that, "The geography of the Gulf of Mannar and the seabed around it is very shallow and the Adam's Bridge which stretches through Palk Strait too is a very shallow sand dune. These dunes act as a barrier against the water flow."
Munasinghe cautions that dredging the sand barriers to create a 12.8x300 meter two-way channel could make the Sri Lankan shores and Gulf of Mannar more vulnerable to sea erosion.
According to Munasinghe, the canal could create a host of other problems in the Jaffna Peninsular.
"The water levels of the Jaffna Peninsular are lower than sea level and heavy dredging could disturb it. There is a threat of ground water turning saline with the channel's construction," he remarks, adding that the movement of ships so close to land with very sensitive geology could create heavy water thrusts, increasing the threat of sea erosion.
Environmentalists are questioning the Indian government's failure to consult the Sri Lankan government about the proposed Sethusamudram project, implying that India's National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) did not consider the 1982 United Nations (news - web sites) law on sea convention while preparing their report.
Munasinghe elaborates that the main flaw in the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Sethusamudram project is that it does not involve Sri Lanka, one of the biggest stakeholders. He alleges, "Although an EIA is meant to consult all the risk holders of a project, the NEERI failed to consult the Sri Lankan government on its implications on Sri Lanka."
Environmental lawyer Jagath Gunewardhana accuses NEERI of preparing the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report without investigating the long-term effect of the proposed project.
Although the NEERI, which completed the environmental impact report on the project last July had cited concerns about the canal's impact on the marine flora and fauna of the Mannar Oceanic National Park, it failed to address immediate issues like damage to water balance in the Jaffna Peninsular and heavy sea erosion.
Gunewardhana also points out that deepening the shallow water barriers around the park could invite many invasive marine species living around the Indian oceans.
The issue is also being taken up on the political level. Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament from Jaffna, M. Senadhiraja says a committee of specialists has been constituted to investigate into the adverse effects of the project on the Jaffna Peninsular and Gulf of Mannar.
"If their report indicates any negative environment impacts we will take up the matter with the Indian and Sri Lankan governments," he promises.
The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, A.H.M.Fowzie also says he will discuss the issue with the Indian government if the present investigation into the project proves it will be harmful to Sri Lanka.
But by then, it may well be too late. Gunewardhana fears time is running out for the Sri Lankan government to register a protest.
"It is not merely an environment issue," he remarks, adding that if it is mishandled, the project could trigger a social and security crisis in the country.
For her part, spokesperson for the Indian High Commission, Nagma Malik says its too early to comment on the project, adding that the Indian government will abandon it if it poses a serious threat to Sri Lanka's ecology and environment.
COLOMBO, Sept 15 (OneWorld) - Environmentalists in Sri Lanka are protesting against India's US $1.09 billion proposal to construct a deep ship canal from the Gulf of Mannar to the Bay of Bengal, claiming it will disturb the water balance in the northern Jaffna Peninsular, trigger erosion of the coastline and endanger a large oceanic national park in the island nation.
Experts fear the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project cleared by the Indian government on September 2 will cause irreparable damage to nearly a quarter of the island.
The project proposes the development of a ship canal to connect the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay, enabling movement of ships between India's East and West coast through a continuous navigable sea route around the peninsula within India's own territorial waters.
The channel will save about 400 nautical miles and up to 36 hours of sailing time for ships between the East and West coasts.
But in the process it may severely impact the eco-sensitive region. Remarks spokesperson of Sri Lanka's leading environmental group, Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL) Vinod Munasinghe, "The heavy dredging required to create the shipping canal through the Rameswaram Island could disturb the water balance of the Jaffna Peninsular and threaten the fragile coast line of the Gulf of Mannar."
He elaborates that, "The geography of the Gulf of Mannar and the seabed around it is very shallow and the Adam's Bridge which stretches through Palk Strait too is a very shallow sand dune. These dunes act as a barrier against the water flow."
Munasinghe cautions that dredging the sand barriers to create a 12.8x300 meter two-way channel could make the Sri Lankan shores and Gulf of Mannar more vulnerable to sea erosion.
According to Munasinghe, the canal could create a host of other problems in the Jaffna Peninsular.
"The water levels of the Jaffna Peninsular are lower than sea level and heavy dredging could disturb it. There is a threat of ground water turning saline with the channel's construction," he remarks, adding that the movement of ships so close to land with very sensitive geology could create heavy water thrusts, increasing the threat of sea erosion.
Environmentalists are questioning the Indian government's failure to consult the Sri Lankan government about the proposed Sethusamudram project, implying that India's National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) did not consider the 1982 United Nations (news - web sites) law on sea convention while preparing their report.
Munasinghe elaborates that the main flaw in the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Sethusamudram project is that it does not involve Sri Lanka, one of the biggest stakeholders. He alleges, "Although an EIA is meant to consult all the risk holders of a project, the NEERI failed to consult the Sri Lankan government on its implications on Sri Lanka."
Environmental lawyer Jagath Gunewardhana accuses NEERI of preparing the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report without investigating the long-term effect of the proposed project.
Although the NEERI, which completed the environmental impact report on the project last July had cited concerns about the canal's impact on the marine flora and fauna of the Mannar Oceanic National Park, it failed to address immediate issues like damage to water balance in the Jaffna Peninsular and heavy sea erosion.
Gunewardhana also points out that deepening the shallow water barriers around the park could invite many invasive marine species living around the Indian oceans.
The issue is also being taken up on the political level. Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament from Jaffna, M. Senadhiraja says a committee of specialists has been constituted to investigate into the adverse effects of the project on the Jaffna Peninsular and Gulf of Mannar.
"If their report indicates any negative environment impacts we will take up the matter with the Indian and Sri Lankan governments," he promises.
The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, A.H.M.Fowzie also says he will discuss the issue with the Indian government if the present investigation into the project proves it will be harmful to Sri Lanka.
But by then, it may well be too late. Gunewardhana fears time is running out for the Sri Lankan government to register a protest.
"It is not merely an environment issue," he remarks, adding that if it is mishandled, the project could trigger a social and security crisis in the country.
For her part, spokesperson for the Indian High Commission, Nagma Malik says its too early to comment on the project, adding that the Indian government will abandon it if it poses a serious threat to Sri Lanka's ecology and environment.
YZA irked over forest law changes
Friday, September 17, 2004
By Damitha Hemachandra
The proposed amendments to the Forest Ordinance, which would endanger nearly 200 proposed forest reserves, came under protest from the Young Zoologist Association (YZA) recently. The Association alleged a direct connection between the proposed amendment and government's reconsideration of the American Tropical Forest Act (ATFA).
President of the YZA, Pubudu Weerarathne said the amendments proposed to the articles 19, 20 and 21 of the ordinance would make these forest lands vulnerable to poaching, mineral extraction and grazing.
"These proposed forest reserves holds a very high biological diversity and minimum research had been done on them," he pointed out.
According to Mr. Weerarathne, the new amendments would endanger the biological and genetical resources of the country instead of conserving them, since the protection granted to them would be removed with the scrapping of the three articles.
Prominent Environment Lawyer, Jagath Gunewardana pointed out that the removal of these articles would enable the straightforward application of ATFA.
"The Forest Ordinance, The Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO), and the National Heritage Forest Act are the three main legal barriers towards the straightforward application of ATFA within the country," Mr. Gunewardana said.
He maintained that the present amendments to the Forest Ordinance stamp out the legal protection given to proposed forest reserves and forest patches, which are not protected by the FFPO.
The amendments would also further destabilize the Customs Department in its attempts to end bio-piracy through unchecked export of animal and plant materials.
"Articles 19, 20 and 21 of the Forest Ordinance prevents illegal collection of plant specimens from protected and non-protected forest lands," Mr. Gunewardana said.
Most of the bio-piracy of local plant resources had been suspended with the help of these three articles, according to him.
Meanwhile, the government recently decided to reconsider the debt retirement plan through ATFA and had already established a committee with the participation of officials from Ministries of Finance and Environment and Natural Resources and environmentalists.
The committee had been issued 'inflexible instructions' to investigate into the possible mode of implementing ATFA in Sri Lanka.
By Damitha Hemachandra
The proposed amendments to the Forest Ordinance, which would endanger nearly 200 proposed forest reserves, came under protest from the Young Zoologist Association (YZA) recently. The Association alleged a direct connection between the proposed amendment and government's reconsideration of the American Tropical Forest Act (ATFA).
President of the YZA, Pubudu Weerarathne said the amendments proposed to the articles 19, 20 and 21 of the ordinance would make these forest lands vulnerable to poaching, mineral extraction and grazing.
"These proposed forest reserves holds a very high biological diversity and minimum research had been done on them," he pointed out.
According to Mr. Weerarathne, the new amendments would endanger the biological and genetical resources of the country instead of conserving them, since the protection granted to them would be removed with the scrapping of the three articles.
Prominent Environment Lawyer, Jagath Gunewardana pointed out that the removal of these articles would enable the straightforward application of ATFA.
"The Forest Ordinance, The Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO), and the National Heritage Forest Act are the three main legal barriers towards the straightforward application of ATFA within the country," Mr. Gunewardana said.
He maintained that the present amendments to the Forest Ordinance stamp out the legal protection given to proposed forest reserves and forest patches, which are not protected by the FFPO.
The amendments would also further destabilize the Customs Department in its attempts to end bio-piracy through unchecked export of animal and plant materials.
"Articles 19, 20 and 21 of the Forest Ordinance prevents illegal collection of plant specimens from protected and non-protected forest lands," Mr. Gunewardana said.
Most of the bio-piracy of local plant resources had been suspended with the help of these three articles, according to him.
Meanwhile, the government recently decided to reconsider the debt retirement plan through ATFA and had already established a committee with the participation of officials from Ministries of Finance and Environment and Natural Resources and environmentalists.
The committee had been issued 'inflexible instructions' to investigate into the possible mode of implementing ATFA in Sri Lanka.
Bhikku front hits out at Buddha Sasana Minister
By Damitha Hemachandra
Bhikkus of the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya who staged a demonstration against the Buddhasasana Minister's alleged lack of concern over issues relating to the Buddha Sasana had to face a tirade from Ministry Secretary G. W. Abeywickrama when they called on him to hand over a memorandum to him at the Ministry yesterday.
Earlier the bhikkus had hung a placard which read 'Are You Sleeping' on the Ministry boundary wall. Another question on a placard asked whether the minister knew his responsibilities as the Minister of Buddhasasana.
However the Ministry officials showered verbal abuse on the bhikkhus and media personnel who gathered to cover the protest.
Spokesman for Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya (JSS), Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera said the minister showed no concern for threats to Buddhism in the country. He also pointed out the failure on the part of the Minister or the ministry to protest the film 'Hollywood Buddha'.
Commenting on the recent apology made by the film director, the spokesman for the Sammelanaya said it had been agreed only to remove the offending picture of the Buddha used for propaganda.
"However the movie features dialogues and scenes, denigrating Buddhism and the Buddha," he said adding that the movie continued to be screened with these blasphemous scenes and dialogues.
He also questioned as to why the Sri Lankan government, the Buddhasasana Ministry and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage were not taking up the issue at international level.
" This is not the first time these ministries had failed to react to rising waves of sacrilege against Buddhism and the Buddha," Ven. Gnanasara Thera said.
Meanwhile the ministry officials admitted they were yet to view 'Hollywood Buddha'. However, Mr. Abeywickrama said that they have already received feedback from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington that the movie does not contain anything offending the Buddhists.
At a news conference held at the Ministry premises later Mr. Abeywickrama maintained his stand that the protest was an unnecessary move by the Sangha Sammelanaya.
Meanwhile, the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya in a statement last night condemned the behaviour of the Buddhasasana Ministry Secretary towards journalists and Bhikkus and threatened to take the case to International courts if the ministry failed to take immediate action.
Ven. Gnanasara Thera extended his apology towards the media personnel who were inconvenienced due to the Ministry secretary's behaviour.
Bhikkus of the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya who staged a demonstration against the Buddhasasana Minister's alleged lack of concern over issues relating to the Buddha Sasana had to face a tirade from Ministry Secretary G. W. Abeywickrama when they called on him to hand over a memorandum to him at the Ministry yesterday.
Earlier the bhikkus had hung a placard which read 'Are You Sleeping' on the Ministry boundary wall. Another question on a placard asked whether the minister knew his responsibilities as the Minister of Buddhasasana.
However the Ministry officials showered verbal abuse on the bhikkhus and media personnel who gathered to cover the protest.
Spokesman for Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya (JSS), Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera said the minister showed no concern for threats to Buddhism in the country. He also pointed out the failure on the part of the Minister or the ministry to protest the film 'Hollywood Buddha'.
Commenting on the recent apology made by the film director, the spokesman for the Sammelanaya said it had been agreed only to remove the offending picture of the Buddha used for propaganda.
"However the movie features dialogues and scenes, denigrating Buddhism and the Buddha," he said adding that the movie continued to be screened with these blasphemous scenes and dialogues.
He also questioned as to why the Sri Lankan government, the Buddhasasana Ministry and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage were not taking up the issue at international level.
" This is not the first time these ministries had failed to react to rising waves of sacrilege against Buddhism and the Buddha," Ven. Gnanasara Thera said.
Meanwhile the ministry officials admitted they were yet to view 'Hollywood Buddha'. However, Mr. Abeywickrama said that they have already received feedback from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington that the movie does not contain anything offending the Buddhists.
At a news conference held at the Ministry premises later Mr. Abeywickrama maintained his stand that the protest was an unnecessary move by the Sangha Sammelanaya.
Meanwhile, the Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya in a statement last night condemned the behaviour of the Buddhasasana Ministry Secretary towards journalists and Bhikkus and threatened to take the case to International courts if the ministry failed to take immediate action.
Ven. Gnanasara Thera extended his apology towards the media personnel who were inconvenienced due to the Ministry secretary's behaviour.
