NARIOYA ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION GOES UNNOTICED

Residents of the area expressed concern about the ongoing wanton destruction of the Narioya forest reservation and the failure of the relevant authorities to take action against the illicit fellers.

They pointed out that huge trees on either banks of the river had been felled without any concern about its environmental damage to the river. Those who are involved in this racket are carrying out the destruction with the help of government officials. They accused the officials of prohibiting the villagers from entering the forest even to collect firewood for cooking purposes - allowing the racketeers to carry on without any obstruction. Meanwhile environmentalists said the Narioya river , originating from Nanneriya hill, was one of the main water resources that fed the Thabbowa reservoir at a distance of about 30 kilomitres away. They pointed out that illegal felling and sand mining in the river was going on unchecked. However, Nawagathegama Divisional Secretary R.D.G. Podineris said he came to know about the incident only when the GA made inquiries about it. He said they instructed the Grama Niladharies to take legal action against the individuals concerned. He said several trees had been cut down for the proposed Andarawewa Fisheries Community Hall. However, when inquired whether the contractor was required under the agreement to use Kumbuk or Mee timber for the roof, he said the contractor should have used only Kempus timber and not any other kind of timber. He said a formal investigation in this regard would be held.