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Yala in danger of becoming a wasteland
The situation at the Yala sanctuary, a world famous tourist destination where around 15,000 visitors arrive daily, has gone from bad to worse in unrelenting drought conditions.
Chief Incumbent of Situlpawwa Vihara Ven. Metaramba Hemaratne Thera launched a project to provide water and food to the affected animals
The 97,000-hectare reserve which is home to some 250 elephants, 40 calves, spotted deer, sambhur, jackals, leopards and other fauna endemic to the country, is under threat of closure without a drop of rain.
Statistics indicate that around 50 elephant calves die every time the heat wave hits the dry zone. However, in a bid to minimise the effects of this natural disaster, the Chief Incumbent of Situlpawwa Vihara Ven. Metaramba Hemaratne Thera launched a project to provide water and food to the affected animals.
The Sunday Times reported his selfless work over the past few weeks, and this week our correspondent captured instances where animal lovers and environmentalists extended their hand to help the animals. This included MP Namal Rajapaksa, environmentalists P. Fernando, S. Chamikara and several other personalities.
The only vegetation available is the herbal plants that can withstand heat, with no greenery visible for miles around. Animal carcasses, especially of cattle, lie scattered around the sanctuary. Areas such as Kirinda, Banduwewa, Nilmal Pellessa and Talgasmankada are the worst affected areas.
The sanctuary is subdivided into zones for development of Tourism. The elephant named Bisso Menike comes with her herd of around 40 elephants to roam in Tissamaharama. Hence, there should be a pragmatic system to provide relief to these valuable assets to humanity, when they are periodically in danger due to the unpredictable weather. There is a great need for trees to be replanted in the area, as most have died due to lack of water.