Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Castlereagh Reservoir under threat due to gem mining
By Damitha Hemachandra
Environmentalists repeated warnings of serious future implications if the gem mining on the banks of Kehelgamuwa Oya, a channel connected to Castlereagh Reservoir is to continue unchecked by environment authorities.
Environmentalist Jagath Gunewardana yesterday pointed out that the number of gem mines on the banks of the channel had increased during the last year after the chairman of the Gem and Geology Authority took a inane attempt to control illegal gem mining in the area by issuing permission to selected group of miners.
The move had increased the threat of erosion and landslips in this area affecting the tea cultivation and destroying the high bio-diversity of the area.
The Gem and Geology Authority had failed to consult the Central Environment Authority (CEA) of its implications despite many mines being situated in land belonging to the Land Reclamation Commission (LRC).
Officials of the CEA pointed out that any change of geographical structure in an area like Castlereigh, which is environment sensitive and nationally important due to its effect on the water levels of the reservoir would require an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to its implementation.
"We have already informed the authorities of the National Gem and Geology Authority of their imprudent move," she said adding that they would have to seek legal assistance if they failed to cooperate.
Environmentalists pointed out that gem mining in the area had increased soil erosion in the area increasing the amount of soil and mud settling in the reservoir.
The reservoirs in the country are facing the threat of heavy mud and soil settlements affecting their efficiency levels.
Environmentalists repeated warnings of serious future implications if the gem mining on the banks of Kehelgamuwa Oya, a channel connected to Castlereagh Reservoir is to continue unchecked by environment authorities.
Environmentalist Jagath Gunewardana yesterday pointed out that the number of gem mines on the banks of the channel had increased during the last year after the chairman of the Gem and Geology Authority took a inane attempt to control illegal gem mining in the area by issuing permission to selected group of miners.
The move had increased the threat of erosion and landslips in this area affecting the tea cultivation and destroying the high bio-diversity of the area.
The Gem and Geology Authority had failed to consult the Central Environment Authority (CEA) of its implications despite many mines being situated in land belonging to the Land Reclamation Commission (LRC).
Officials of the CEA pointed out that any change of geographical structure in an area like Castlereigh, which is environment sensitive and nationally important due to its effect on the water levels of the reservoir would require an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to its implementation.
"We have already informed the authorities of the National Gem and Geology Authority of their imprudent move," she said adding that they would have to seek legal assistance if they failed to cooperate.
Environmentalists pointed out that gem mining in the area had increased soil erosion in the area increasing the amount of soil and mud settling in the reservoir.
The reservoirs in the country are facing the threat of heavy mud and soil settlements affecting their efficiency levels.
