Knuckles forest reserve could lose World Heritage site designation

UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site Knuckles forest reserve zone has come under the threat of losing its status as a result of the decision taken by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to lay a high tension power transmission line over the forest reserve within the mountain range, Environment Ministry sources said.

There is a risk of removing the Knuckles Forest located north-east of Kandy from the World Heritage List due to this power cable issue being a threat to the environment, a senior official of the ministry disclosed.

Several environmentalists pointed out the CEB’s action to lay this cable line for a distance of nearly three kilometers from Ratthota Maddawatta area through Riveston will damage the natural ecosystem and bio diversity of Knuckles forest.

They have made representations protesting this action at the environmental committee meeting held at the Matale District Secretariat, a leader of an environmental protection organisation said.  

He said that he has indicated at the committee meeting that as an alternative, the power cable could be laid underground and theCEB can recover the cost for the project from the Green Climate Fund.

Lying at an elevation of between 2100 and 5500 feet, the vegetation at Knuckles Conservation Forest is diverse with pockets of cloud forest, dry evergreen forest, and wet and dry patna grassland.

Steep slopes and ravines give rise to numerous streams and small waterfalls creating unique microcosms within small areas. Unpredictable weather adds to its charm, and heavy mists can envelop the slopes within minutes, several environmentalists said.  (Bandula)