Construction of Hantane reservoir halted
In its issue of June 17, the Sunday Times reported an illegal construction of a pool/ reservoir at Hantane situated at a height of over 3,000ft and the dangers it posed to area residents. Having seen the report and discussed its contents, the Hantane Management Committee headed by the District Secretary, ordered the Environment Division of the Kandy Police to stop the construction of the proposed reservoir/ swimming pool and the filling of earth at Urugala in the Hantane Estate.
The Secretary also instructed the police to inform the estate management that all earth filled so far be removed and to immediately halt construction of the reservoir/swimming pool.
President of the Hantane Nature Conservation Association - Amith Senanayake - said construction was carried out by the 'Janawasama', following the construction of the Semmbukutte Estate Lake, at Matale.
He claimed situations at the two estates differed and pointed out that constructing a reservoir/lake or swimming pool at Urugala could endanger the village with over 400 households in its vicinity. He added the committee had read the news report and acted on it to prevent a disaster.
Mr. Senanayake recollected that a few years ago the construction of a reservoir above a village at Walapane had resulted in the obliteration of a village when the bund breached. Todate no survivors of that disaster had been recovered he said.
The Hantane Management Committee's decision had helped prevent a repetition of a similar disaster he said.