The Experts Committee that studied the minor tremors in Kandy has recommended a ban on limestone quarrying within 100 meters of the Victoria Reservoir Dam.
The report of the expert committee appointed to conduct a scientific study on the minor earthquakes reported from the areas around the Victoria Reservoir in the Kandy District was handed over to Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday.
The committee chaired by Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Chairman Anura Walpola consisted of professors with expert knowledge of geology.
Addressing a media briefing yesterday, Minister Amaraweera said that according to the findings of this expert committee, the Victoria Reservoir Dam is not likely to be severely affected by the minor tremors. However, the report also pointed out that limestone quarrying within 100 meters of Victoria Reservoir should be banned. The Minister has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to take action in this regard. The minister also instructed to investigate whether the explosions in limestone quarries are carried out in the approved method.
Meanwhile, the expert team explained the content of the report in detail to Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.
