By Sarah Hannan
Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera requested an in-depth investigation report from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) over alleged deforestation at the Hanthana Mountain Range to cultivate spices.
Amaraweera made this request following several media reports that were published last weekend and after environmentalists raised concerns of a Kandy District politician who represents the Opposition allegedly clearing about 19 acres of land in an ecologically sensitive area known as Springhill Estate, 3,000 ft. above ground, in the Hanthana Mountain Range, to cultivate cardamom.
The Hanthana Protectors' Association alleged that the area was being cleared for cultivation or development since 27 August 2019, and that nearly two acres of land had already been cleared.
According to the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 1641/28 dated 27 February 2010 prohibits the planning and implementation of development work in the Hanthana Mountains above 3,000 ft. without prior approval. The CEA also fixed a signboard denoting the same.
According to the Extraordinary Gazette Notification, the area above the 3,000-ft. contour line can be used only for reforestation and existing perennial crops including pepper and tea.
Hanthana Protectors' Association Secretary Amit Senanayake, speaking to The Morning, said: “If any work was to be done in the area, the approval of the Hanthana Environmental Protection Area Management Committee would have to be obtained, but no permission had been obtained for such clearing.”
He added that several attempts were made to clear the area during the last Government and despite strong protests by environmentalists, the clearance work continued.
“We made a complaint to the Kandy Police and (via) the Police Emergency Hotline regarding the environmental damage. Although the Police Emergency Response Unit visited the site, they could not take any action as they had to inform the Polgolla Office of the Central Environmental Authority.”
CEA Chairman Siripala Amarasinghe said a team was deployed on Monday (31) to investigate the location and filed a report with the findings, which would then be handed over to the Minister.Hanthana Mountain Range clearance: CEA to report on Hanthana issue
02 Sep 2020
Hanthana Mountain Range clearance: CEA to report on Hanthana issue
02 Sep 2020
By Sarah Hannan
Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera requested an in-depth investigation report from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) over alleged deforestation at the Hanthana Mountain Range to cultivate spices.
Amaraweera made this request following several media reports that were published last weekend and after environmentalists raised concerns of a Kandy District politician who represents the Opposition allegedly clearing about 19 acres of land in an ecologically sensitive area known as Springhill Estate, 3,000 ft. above ground, in the Hanthana Mountain Range, to cultivate cardamom.
The Hanthana Protectors' Association alleged that the area was being cleared for cultivation or development since 27 August 2019, and that nearly two acres of land had already been cleared.
According to the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 1641/28 dated 27 February 2010 prohibits the planning and implementation of development work in the Hanthana Mountains above 3,000 ft. without prior approval. The CEA also fixed a signboard denoting the same.
According to the Extraordinary Gazette Notification, the area above the 3,000-ft. contour line can be used only for reforestation and existing perennial crops including pepper and tea.
Hanthana Protectors' Association Secretary Amit Senanayake, speaking to The Morning, said: “If any work was to be done in the area, the approval of the Hanthana Environmental Protection Area Management Committee would have to be obtained, but no permission had been obtained for such clearing.”
He added that several attempts were made to clear the area during the last Government and despite strong protests by environmentalists, the clearance work continued.
“We made a complaint to the Kandy Police and (via) the Police Emergency Hotline regarding the environmental damage. Although the Police Emergency Response Unit visited the site, they could not take any action as they had to inform the Polgolla Office of the Central Environmental Authority.”
CEA Chairman Siripala Amarasinghe said a team was deployed on Monday (31) to investigate the location and filed a report with the findings, which would then be handed over to the Minister.Kapruka
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!