Firebreaks created at Pidurutalagala forest reserve

Employees of government institutions and the security forces working in collaboration with 200 villagers residing near the Pidurutalagala Reserve removed strips of forest cover to create firebreaks.

The initiative carried out on Friday was a preventive measure as temperatures are expected to soar during the months of January to April which often cause forest fires.

It is anticipated that when the reserve is divided into separate sections wildfires could be contained more easily, with minimal damage to plant and animal life. Additionally the creation of firebreaks is expected to help safe- guard residents as it will help prevent the spread of future fire into human habitats.

The programme was co- ordinated by Nuwara Eliya District Forestry Officer Thulani Kularatne, officials from the Forestry Department, the Timber Corporation, the Forestry Institute, the District Secretary's office, the Divisional Secretary's office and Urban Council.

Army personnel, Navy personnel, police personnel, villagers residing in Hawa Eliya and residents of Gemunu Mawatha near the reserve too extended their support in the creation of firebreaks.

Nuwara Eliya Divisional Secretary Ananda Bandara, Commissioner of the Urban Council Sujeewa Bodimanne and Additional Director Shilpa de Silva and officials of other institutes also participated.

The firebreaks cover an area 2 km long and a width 15 feet.