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Off with unauthorised structures as battle to reclaim beaches begins
In a new drive to protect beaches around the country, the Coast Conservation and Costal Resources Management Department will remove unauthorised structures, declare as sensitive zones areas where construction would be prohibited and introduce ‘green beaches’ by planting trees.
Sea erosion in Maggona. Pic by Sarath Siriwardhene
The move follows the submission of a report, by the Department regarding the destruction of beaches and remedial measures, to President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also the Environment Minister.
According to the report excessive sand mining and unauthorised structures close to the beach are the main causes of sea erosion.
Coast Conservation Director General Prabath Chandrakeerthi told the Sunday Times another report detailing a five-year plan on coastal resource management and the declaration of zones would also be handed over to President Sirisena.
“We will accordingly have sensitive zones, tourism zones, urban area zones and zones with natural habitat,” he said.
Mr. Chandrakeerthi said as a first step, they have started removing unauthorised structures on the beaches in Weligama.
He said they will move on to removing structures between Galle Face Green and Mount Lavinia.
“Private beaches will not be allowed, walls, houses, hotels and other lodgings will be removed. We have found that sometimes waste water and sewerage lines are directly linked to the sea causing pollution,” Mr. Chandrakeerthi said.
He said those who are living in unauthorised houses will first be given areas to relocate to before the houses are removed.
“The Police and the Special Task Force will provide security during these clearing up operations,” he said.
Mr Chandrakeerthi said the move will not only be restricted to the south but also to the coastal areas of Jaffna where certain politicians have put up houses and other unauthorised buildings.
Commenting on the introduction of ‘green beaches’ he said plants suitable to different areas such as coconut, palymyrah and mango will be planted accordingly.
In Marawila, where excessive sand mining has led to vast swathes of beach being washed away a two kilometre stretch of artificial beach would be constructed, Mr Chandrakeerthi said.
He said a cabinet paper, seeking approval for the project, scheduled to begin in January, and estimated to cost Rs 750 million will be submitted by the President soon.