The hills of Balangoda, as well as other parts of the hill country, are periodically set on fire by cattle owners who burn the mature mana grass in order to get a fresh growth of mana for their cattle’s consumption. Some fires are caused by mischief-makers who do this just for the sake of causing destruction and enjoying the sight of blazing hillsides.
What these persons do not realise is that they are destroying hundreds of acres of valuable vegetation and plantations and disrupting the ecosystem and inhibiting the growth of shrubs and other natural ground cover essential for preserving the soil and promoting the soil’s fertility. Consequent erosion depletes the soil further.
This kind of irresponsible behaviour appears to be acceptable to state officials, estate owners and residents in these areas. They see these deliberate acts of arson as “inevitable disasters”, and make no effort to put a stop to such criminal acts.
The immediate cost to the country is immense, and the long-term damage to the ecosystem will be felt for generations. This wanton damage can be prevented by taking action along the following lines:
1. Ensuring the compulsory registration of cattle owners;
2. Leasing bare land to cattle-owners for the growing of fodder grass, combined with appropriate agro-forestry, all done with proper, expert guidance;
3. Encouraging dairy farming by providing good strains of cattle and setting up milk-collection centres;
4. Prohibiting ownership of cattle by those who have no legal means of feeding their cattle;
5. Requesting all religious institutions and schools to educate the people on the damage caused by such criminal acts of destruction;
6. Offering rewards for information leading to the identification and apprehension of arsonists;
7. Imposing severe penalties for arson;
8. Publicity and action taken by local government officials, grama sevakas and the police.
It is high time the government and all authorities concerned woke up and took the necessary action. We don’t want the inspiring slogan “Api Wawamu, Rata Nagamu” going up in flames through “Gini Thiyamu, Rata Nasamu” action. |
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