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Stop the environment degradation
View(s):The Hakkida Islands in the Mahaweli river close to Peradeniya are in danger of disappearing,
Environmentalists point out, that of the 20 islands originally comprising the group, which stretched from Getambe to Dodamwala, only 12 remain today.
They added that waters surrounding the islands are home to the Green Labeo (Kolagadaya), a critically endangered species of fish endemic to Sri Lanka which was once thought to have gone extinct.
Research undertaken in 2013 by the National Aquatic Research and Development Agency (NARA) found the area where the islands are located is a biodiversity hotspot -home to many other species of fish endemic to Sri Lanka. The islands have also been found to be home to several species of endemic plants, including ‘Ketala’ (lagenandra praetermissa).
Environmentalists point out that unregulated sand mining is not the only threat facing the islands. Illicitlly built tourist hotels/houses, eateries, the dumping of garbage into the river and filling of lands further upriver have also played a major role in causing the islands to disappear
A private hydropower plant which was built at the location also caused an enormous amount of damage to the area, they charged.
Environmentalists warn that unless immediate legal action is taken to protect the area, many endemic species of flora and fauna will face total destruction.
If immediate measures are not taken to preserve the isles they will soon be lost forever
Dumping of garbage into the river has contributed to the disappearance of many of the islands
The islands are home to the Sri Lanka Kolagadaya once believed to have gone extinct
The scenic Hakkida islands on the Mahaweli river are disappearing
Unless illegal activities such as sand mining, unauthorised tourist hotels and dumping of garbage into the river are halted the islands will disappear
A national shame, only 12 of the original 20 islands remain today as the isles have been lost to human activity