TOURISTS AND VIPS COME FIRST : NOT FARMERS
Cross-eyed official priorities are killing the Katugahagalge tank
Although Chief Minister, Uva Province has taken steps to renovate the main canal feeding the tank costing Rs.4 million, people said it would serve no purpose if the reservation was stripped of its forest cover
Residents of the area are concerned about the ongoing environmental damage being done to the Katugahagalge tank by felling trees on the tank reservation. They complained that huge trees in the tank reservation were being felled so that tourists and VIPs who motor along the road have a clear view of the tank and the temple beyond. They charged the authorities were not concerned about the damage done to the ancient tank that irrigated a vast tract of paddy fields and arable land. They also brought up the subject of environmental damage done by local tourists who left empty bottles, polythene bags and clutter on the tank bund. The farmers of the locality said the tank would be rendered useless when the reservation is cleared of its trees.
Although Chief Minister, Uva Province Shashindra Rajapaske has taken steps to renovate the main canal feeding the tank under a development project costing Rs.4 million, people of the area pointed out that the development project would serve no purpose if the tank reservation was stripped of its forest cover.
In this connection, Chairman of the Badalkumbura Pradeshiya Sabha R.M.Wijedasa said the infrastructure in the area would be developed under a project based on the Katugahagalge temple and the tank. “My plan is to provide opportunities to the tourists to have a clear view of the temple overlooking the tank. Members of the Pradeshiya Sabha have expressed their views in this regard at council meetings. However, I will not allow the clearing of the forest reservation between the road and the tank bund. I have drawn the attention of the relevant institutions in this regard but they have not yet shown a positive response. I will immediately look into the public complaints and prevent any haphazard clearing of the tank reservation,” he said.
Residents of the area requested the authorities to prevent the on going devastation of the tank reservation simply for the convenience of tourists and VIPs.