CONSERVATIONISTS ACCUSES HOUSING AUTHORITY

Hantana Conservation Organisation accused the National Housing Authority in Kandy of clearing and burning of an area of more than 14 acres of the Hantana forest reserve without the least concern about its environmental damage to the highly sensitive bio-diversity zone.

Secretary of the Organisation Amith Senanayake pointed out that former President R. Premadasa who held the national housing portfolio had made an order that the land forming a reservation for a housing scheme of 400 houses in view of any possible danger of earth slips affecting the housing scheme should not be cleared. He said the present Minister of Housing and Construction, in pursuance of former President’s order had prohibited the use of that land for any construction work.

Hantana Conservation Organisation expressed concern about permitting a contractor to clear the land for building purposes violating the instructions of the former President and Minister of Housing and Construction and the present minister. It pointed out the haphazard burning of land, affected fauna and flora in the surrounding area of the forest reserve. Secretary of the organization said investigations of his complaint to Kandy Police in this regard is being conducted.

The haphazard burning of land, affected fauna and flora in the surrounding area of the forest reserve