Water in the Bolgoda River in the Kalutara District has been polluted as it flows in the Horetuduwa area since saw mill owners and illicit liquor brewers are releasing wood dust and goda and other waste to the River.
Although Bolgoda is the largest natural lake in the country, the Central Environment Authority (CEA) officials never inspect if timber mills by the river are polluting the water. The river water emanates an unbearable smell as illicit liquor distillers in small islands amidst the Bolgoda River are releasing goda and chemicals to the water. They transport the illicit liquor on boats daily, the villagers said.
Many verities of fish and water lilies are vanishing from the river because of this reason. Panadura, Pliyandela and Bandaragama Police said they do not have boats and swimming kits to raid the illicit liquor distilleries in the islands including the Cock Island, which is the main distribution hub of illicit liquor to the areas such as Panadura, Kalutara, Piliyandela and Moratuwa .
The residents of the area said that timber mill owners, tourist hotel owners and other companies adjoining the Bolgoda River are responsible for polluting the river.
Social Welfare Societies and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) had conducted surveys and handed them over to the respective ministries during the previous government but no action had been taken so far.
They now urge Environment Minister Mahinda Amarawewra to visit the area to witness himself the environmental disaster in and around the Bolgoda River.
