Moves to conserve coastal belt

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has initiated several programmes to conserve and protect Sri Lanka's coastal belt, Director Dr. R. A. D. B. Samaranayake said.

Stressing this was a priority in the Government's agenda, Dr. Samaranayake said long and short term plans have already been initiated. According to Dr. Samaranayake all unauthorised buildings in the coastal belt would be demolished. The CCD has already identified 200 such buildings and owners have been notified that unless they are demolished immediately, the CCD would demolish them with Police help.

Dr. Samaranayake said if the CCD demolishes the buildings, owners would have to pay the expenses. The CCD demolished 14 unauthorised buildings in Negombo last week. He appealed to all to get approval before building structures.

The CCD was also planning a Green belt covering the coastal line. Dr. Samaranayake said action would also be taken against sand miners. The destruction of coral reefs was also a major problem. Coast guards and police will take action against those who destroy coral reefs.

The Director said plans are under way to strengthen protective barriers along the coast line.

"The responsibility of protecting the coast is of utmost importance and we have to muster the support of all," Dr. Samaranayake said citing the tsunami as an eye opener to the consequences of destruction of Mother Nature.