Prime forest cover under the axe

By Shelton Hettiarachchi

In what seems to be a massive attempt at deforestation, about 50 acres of land in the Nuwara Eliya district belonging to a private plantation company are being cleared for cultivation during the last couple of months, denuding the forest cover unique to the region.

All that remains of a tree	Vegetable plots in the cleared area.

The forest area in the Pundaluoya area is rich in bio-diversity, but the party concerned is clearing vital forest cover denuding the land. Private plantation companies in the Nuwara Eliya district have uprooted tea in some areas and leased them to other parties for cultivation of potatoes and vegetables, little realising the damage that was being caused to the environment.

Speaking on the land clearing matter Ven. Kandapola Medhananda Thera, principal of Kikiliuyamana school said he had spoken to the parents of the students on this issue. He said this issue had cropped up while an environment brigade was being formed in the school with the aim of preserving the beauty of the school surroundings.

He said some concrete measures need to be taken to preserve the environment that is unique to the region. The thera said it was due to lack of such preventive measures that harm was being caused to the environment in the Nuwara Eliya district - the best region in our country.

However, clearing the land for cultivation is going on unabated here. Another problem arising out of the unchecked cultivating spree is the drying up of the streams and waterfalls reducing the beauty of the area. It is feared that soon they may run dry completely if the situation was not arrested. It is the consensus of the people in the area that this should be matter of serious concern for those in authority.