KOTAGALA WETLAND ENVIRONMENTAL ZONE AT RISK

Environmental organizations in the upcountry expressed concern about extensive damage caused to the Kotagala wetland environmental zone bordering Thalawakele – Hatton road near Kotagala town.

They pointed out that the highly sensitive environmental zone has been left to the mercy of unscrupulous individuals who are currently misusing it.

Residents of the area said the Urban Development Authority had implemented a project to develop and maintain the environmental zone but it was stalled in a short time. More than 25

The environmental zone that spread over a vast area has now been reduced to a 25 acre land. We made continual representations in this regard to the relevant authorities, but to no avail

acres was to be developed with ponds, chidren’s parks, jogging tracks, quiet resting places, and sanitation facilities. They pointed out that building materials brought to the work sites were wasted.

“The environmental zone that spread over a vast area has now been reduced to a 25 acre plot. We made continual representations in this regard to the relevant authorities, but to no avail. Individuals receiving political patronage are attempting to encroach it and illegally occupy it.” Environmentalists and the residents of the area further said.

They requested the government to complete the development project implemented earlier without allowing the wanton destruction of the lovely and attractive environmental zone.