MANY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES DUE TO THE PROJECT

The dumping ground that stands almost like a lofty hill resulted in this state and that it created a serious health hazard Weres river had been polluted by contaminated water flowing down the dumping ground during heavy rain We have implemented the recycl

An official of the Kradiyana garbage recycling project said the public would not cooperate to the garbage disposal system implemented by them.

A lovely and attractive environmental zone rich in vegetation, in rare plants, endemic and migratory birds and animals, Karadiyana on the banks of Weres river that adorned Piliyandala and Boralesgamawa towns has now turned an eyesore in the area much to the anxiety of the residents.

Residents of the area pointed out that the dumping ground that stands almost like a lofty hill resulted in this state and that it created a serious health hazard. They pointed out that underground water resources had been polluted by storm water seeping through garbage. They said Karadiyana environmental zone, rich in bio diversity that enhanced the beauty of the Boralesgamuwa area had once been the aboard of endemic and migratory birds adorned by smiling vegetation and a tourist attraction.

Environmental lovers who expressed concern by the extensive environmental damage caused by the dumping ground said even Weres river had been polluted by contaminated water flowing down the dumping ground during heavy rain. The people in Boralesgamuwa, Katuwawala, Hokandara, Nilammahara , areas had used the road running through Karadiyana to visit Ratmalana, Katubedda, Panadura, and Moratuwa areas but the nauseating smell from the dumping ground prevented them from using the road in fear of any possible danger to health.

Meanwhile hundreds of families engaged in fishing along the Weres river have lost their livelihood due to environmental pollution caused to the river. They said the aquatic resources in the river were facing the danger of extinction.

A resident of Boralesgamuwa area Premaratne Deegodagamage (50) said the dumping ground was being used by several local authorities without least concern about its environmental damage and the threat to public health.

“The government and the local authorities have failed to resolve this issue affecting a large population. The situation has been going from bad to worse due to the lethargic attitude of the relevant authorities. Our continual representations to them in this regard have fallen on deaf ear. Karadiyana, located in close proximity to two highly developed urban areas had a rural setting due to its attractive natural surroundings. But it is no more” he said.

Meanwhile an official of the Kradiyana garbage recycling project said the public would not cooperate to the garbage disposal system implemented by them. He pointed out that it was an issue that should be resolved with the concerted effort of the public and the relevant authorities. “Our instructions to separate degradable and non-degradable garbage when disposing them had been ignored and it created problems for us. We have implemented the recycling project to produce compost to grow poison-free food. The project would be a complete success and resolve the garbage removal problem while supplying environmental friendly natural fertilizer if the public cooperated to it” he said.