A modern chicken farm of around 70 acres has come up at Mahakumbukkadawala in Madurankuliya but since there was no proper waste disposal procedure, chicken droppings accumulate for months causing a nauseating stench in the surrounding area, according to neighbours.
The farm had been reportedly operating for over two years producing broilers and eggs.
Though the neighbours had complained to the relevant authorities, little or nothing has been done by way of reducing the stench. Things go on as usual with the owners of the farm little aware of what their neighbours are suffering.
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| The pile of bird droppings. |
In addition, the building housing the birds blocks the steady flow of water in the ela going through the village nearby.
A villager, W. P .Nimalsiri said “We do not object to the farm but what bothers us is the way things are done by the owners. Authorities ignore complaints made so far so we have now decided to do something on our own.”
Kumari Mendis, another villager said that her family cannot enjoy a meal at home due to fleas and flies originating in the farm invading her home. She complained that her mother who had never been sick was now often in bad health.
When contacted Puttalam PS chairman D S Pathirage said that he had referred the matter to the environmental authorities but beyond that there was nothing he could do. He said the Mundel MOH had approved the plan of the farm building and he expected the owners would conform to regulations.
When contacted PHI Charaka Fernando said that he had inquired into complaints made by the members of the public and had advised the farm owners to stick to environmental requirements in running the farm.
It is learnt the farm owners were informed in a letter sent by registered post that the situation must be corrected within 14 days failing which action would follow. Attempts to verify the present position from a CEA official identified as Saman Senanayake did not succeed.
When contacted a spokesman for the farm owners admitted that there were shortcomings in the farm which he said was in operation for less than an year.
He assured that everything would be done to conform to accepted environmental procedures.
On the issue of the stench emanating from the farm he had said that it was due to the saltiness of the water in the area and promised that action would be taken to correct the situation. |
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