By Sarah Hannan
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is to work closely with the Police Environment Protection Unit and the divisional secretariats in and around the Bolgoda Lake area to identify the illegal constructions and land reclamation brought under the spotlight last week, The Morning learnt.
Speaking to The Morning, CEA Natural Resources Management Director Priyangani Gunathilake said: “We are awaiting a detailed report from the stakeholders tasked to carry out investigations. So far, we have identified six such constructions and the Police are assisting us with conducting the necessary investigations into the entities responsible for the construction of such buildings in the Bolgoda Lake area.”
Gunathilake noted that after the CEA is produced with the full investigation reports, they will take necessary action to evict the illegal occupants in addition to the necessary legal action against such entities.
In terms of land reclamation that has taken place surrounding the banks of the lake, the CEA will also be conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA), and based on the findings, they will take action against environment polluters and destructors.
Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera last week visited the Bolgoda Lake area with a team from the Ministry, the CEA, and the divisional secretariats to inspect the extent of the damage to the ecosystem caused by the illegal constructions and land reclamation.
Following his visit, he remarked that about 90% of the constructions that were on the banks of the Bolgoda Lake were found to be illegal, lacking the necessary clearance from the CEA, or that EIAs were conducted only prior to construction, thereby causing considerable destruction to the biodiversity of the area.
The Bolgoda Lake and its surrounding areas are frequented by holidaymakers and the area is scattered with holiday homes and villas. It is also a hotspot that is frequented by environmentalists and nature lovers to observe the area’s biodiversity.
Speaking to The Morning, CEA Natural Resources Management Director Priyangani Gunathilake said: “We are awaiting a detailed report from the stakeholders tasked to carry out investigations. So far, we have identified six such constructions and the Police are assisting us with conducting the necessary investigations into the entities responsible for the construction of such buildings in the Bolgoda Lake area.”
Gunathilake noted that after the CEA is produced with the full investigation reports, they will take necessary action to evict the illegal occupants in addition to the necessary legal action against such entities.
In terms of land reclamation that has taken place surrounding the banks of the lake, the CEA will also be conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA), and based on the findings, they will take action against environment polluters and destructors.
Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera last week visited the Bolgoda Lake area with a team from the Ministry, the CEA, and the divisional secretariats to inspect the extent of the damage to the ecosystem caused by the illegal constructions and land reclamation.
Following his visit, he remarked that about 90% of the constructions that were on the banks of the Bolgoda Lake were found to be illegal, lacking the necessary clearance from the CEA, or that EIAs were conducted only prior to construction, thereby causing considerable destruction to the biodiversity of the area.
The Bolgoda Lake and its surrounding areas are frequented by holidaymakers and the area is scattered with holiday homes and villas. It is also a hotspot that is frequented by environmentalists and nature lovers to observe the area’s biodiversity.