News
President takes charge as Uma Oya threatens environmental genocide
President Maithripala Sirisena has sought a comprehensive report on the Uma Oya Project to be presented to Cabinet next week, amidst growing concern for the welfare of over 1,150 families in the area adversely affected by the harm caused to the environment, believed to be due to the project.
Drilling for the 16-km-long tunnel and other construction work on the project have inconvenienced people in the area
President Sirisena also ordered immediate action to expedite the relief given to the affected communities. He also said that a Cabinet subcommittee would be appointed immediately to explore viable solutions, once a comprehensive report is given at the next Cabinet meeting.
A severe water shortage has seriously inconvenienced the communities living in the Bandarawela area, and many houses have been damaged by drilling for the 16-km-long tunnel and other construction work on the project.
Several villages also face severe landslide threats caused by the Uma Oya project.
This week a 25-foot-cave-in in the Galahitiyaya area in Ambadandegama, Bandarawela, prompted the Disaster Management Center to evacuate 23 families residing in the area. Several other areas including Baddearawa and Liyangahawela have experienced serious landslides with over 30 families victim to serious property damages.
“The immediate issue that needs a solution is to stop the leak in the tunnel. We will look into addressing that first,” said Environment Ministry Secretary, N. Rupasinghe.
Two reports, commissioned to conduct an assessment of the entire project, were also presented at the meeting headed by President Sirisena, with all stakeholders of the project, including the affected communities participating.
“The report presented by the expert panel appointed by the President to study the project, has recommended the relocation of the affected people as a long term solution. They have also highlighted technical and other issues that may arise as the project progresses. We have to now plan for those too,” Mr. Rupasinghe said.
The report by the Central Environment Authority (CEA) has highlighted that most conditions outlined by the CEA when approval was given, have not been met. Both reports have highlighted the need to keep the communities informed and maintain a continuous dialogue with all stakeholders. Further Mr. Rupasinghe said that a number of civil committees will be set up with the participation of the affected communities to find viable solutions to the issue.
At present, over 1,150 families living in Makulalla, Weharagalathanna and Egodagama in Bandarawela depend on government relief. To compensate for the severe water shortage in the area, the Divisional Secretary’s office has been distributing 180,000 liters of water to the affected areas since Dec. 28 and will continue to do so until a permanent solution is found.
“Bandarawela any way is not an area with a lot of water resources. Soon this is going to be a challenge for us”, explained Bandarawela Divisional Secretary Nihal Gunerathne.
The Sunday Times previously reportedthat standard procedures have not been followed and the conditions imposed by the CEA for mining had not been adhered to.
“Divisional Secretariat officials are now involved in identifying suitable alternate locations to relocate affected communities. At present, authorities are paying rent for accommodation for families forced to relocate,” Mr. Gunarathne said.
President Sirisena holds a meeting with all stakeholders of the project including area people