COCONUT TREES PLANTED IN DRY NELUMKULAMA TANK

Person responsible claims he owns part of tank bed

An authorized coconut plantation in the Nelumkulama tank in the Kalpitiya Division was removed yesterday on a court order by the North Western Province Irrigation Department. Director, Irrigation, Engineer. Malkanthi Thalgodapitiyia who visited the scene with her staff uprooted all the coconut trees that had been planted in the tank bed during the drought a few months ago.

Director Malkanthi Thalgodapitiya said that the person who planted coconut trees in the tank bed claimed ownership of the land but failed to establish it by the deadline given by court. She said she made a report and sought a court order to remove the coconut trees.

“When they ignored my request to refrain from planting coconut in the tank bed I went to court. The area of the tank is about 15 acres. Although they claimed Steps would be taken to restore the tank to provide irrigation facilities to farmers they were supporters of a prominent politician of the area, court ordered them to establish their claim to the land but they failed to do so. Meanwhile more than 5000 people using the tank had complained to the divisional secretary regarding the destruction caused to the tank. It resulted in a clash between the individuals who planted coconut trees and area residents.

OIC Kalpitiya police Lakshman Ranwala had obtained a court order preventing entry into the coconut plantation until the undisputed ownership was established,” she said.

She also said that steps would be taken to restore the tank to provide irrigation facilities to farmers and drinking water to the people in the area.