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Fresh crisis at Uma Oya: Grout cement flowing into Kirindi Oya
View(s):A fresh environmental issue over the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project has surfaced after cement — used to prevent water leaking — was washed into canals and irrigation tanks downstream.
Uma Oya: More environmental issues. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Moneragala’s District Secretary D.S. Pathamakulasooriya said that they have taken up the issue with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), the Irrigation Department and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) as it was affecting Ella and Wellawaya.
She said several meetings were held to discuss the matter, then the issue was identified as dust coming with water but after the grouting (spraying of cement) of the tunnel larger amounts of cement started flowing. Thus rubble used to seal the Uma oya tunnel was washed out.
“We are to meet again with the CEA, NWSDB and Irrigation Department before the end of the month to take a final decision on the issue.”
NWSDB Chairman K.A. Ansar said he could ensure the safety of the water in Kirindi oya.
“We run a series of laboratory tests and confirm safety of the purified water. Only then do we allow water to be distributed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Centre for Environmental Justice Director Hemantha Withanage said large-scale pollution was taking place because of the liquid cement.
“It’s raining and water pressure is high. Therefore the grout can be washed away. Besides, the rains have caused water to collect in the cracks at Bandarawela. Due to that even landslides can take place,” he warned.
The environmentalist said the final Norwegian report presented to the President and its recommendations had not been made public.
“It is said that new equipment is used for the grouting, yet no one knows weather the equipment is suitable,” he said.
CEA Chairman Lal Mervin Dharmasri said they had written to the project manager saying the grouting cement was being washed away.
He said he and other CEA officials would visit the area to assess the situation.
Prof Dharamari said they were only looking for environment impact and not whether the Norwegian recommendations were being followed by project officials.
Wasantha Sanjeewa, joint Secretory of the people’s front against the multi destructive Uma Oya project, said the officials were allowing the grout cement to flow into the Kirindi oya.