UMA OYA PROJECT CAN BE SUSTAINED IF EXCAVATIONS STOPPED: ECT

The Environment Conservation Trust that carried out an inspection of the controversial Uma Oya project has found that it could be sustained if the ongoing excavations in the tunnel was abandoned and only the reservoirs constructed under the Uma Oya multi-purpose project as planned.

Director of the Environmental Conservation Trust Sajeewa Chamikara pointed out that the Puhulpola and Mathella Reservoirs in the upper regions of Uva should be used as water sources to conserve irrigation canals in the low-lying areas. Chamikara said the capacity of Alikorara, Kuda Oya and Handunagala tanks could be increased to conserve excess water in the Kirindiwewa and that it would automatically increase its capacity.

“The proposed clearing of 4500 acres of virgin forests in the Kirindi Oya catchments for cultivation under the Uma Oya project would cause extensive environmental damage. The forests in the catchments could be conserved as forest reserves to protect water resources that feed the Lunugamvehera and Veheragala tanks. The underground hydro-power plants in the project should be shifted to the lowlying area of the project after carrying out a feasibility study,” he said

He stressed the need to prevent the wanton destruction of forests in the catchments of Kirindi Oya and Uma Oya and to implement a re-forestation project to protect the water resources that feed the two rivers. The Environment Conservation Trust also said that 7500 families in the Badulla and Monaragala Districts have been displaced under the Uma Oya multi-purpose project.