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| Sunday, 05 March 2006 |
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Sand mining galore along Deduru Oya By Shanika Sriyananda Deduru Oya has become a haven for illegal sand miners as a result of a battle between the Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and the Chilaw Police. The ball now in the GSMB court, a top official of the Chilaw Police said, blaming the GSMB for issuing two mining licences and approving several transport licences. "This is the main attributing factor for illegal mining along the Deduru Oya basin, which is now being mined to its rock bottom," he said. Illegal sand mining has created environmental, health and social problems to the surrounding villages. According to villagers, over 1000 cubic metres of sand were being mined daily with over 300 truckloads carted to Colombo. Thirty-six such sand mining sites have been identified so far. They claim that some top politics and police officers were hand in glove in this operation. "Police rarely take action. But, instead, they tip off the 'miners' who promptly do the vanishing trick, the villages claimed at a recent media briefing held at the Bingiriya Rajamaha Viharaya. The chief incumbent of the Viharaya Ven. Attadassi Thera called on the GSMB to do a feasibility study to identify suitable sites for mining and also to declare Deduru Oya as an environmentally protected area. HQI of the Chilaw Police G.M. Wijeratne told the 'Sunday Observer' that
the police have rounded up around 60 people. However, he admitted political
interference which tends to hinder their duties and welcomed the villagers
to lodge complaints and, if necessary to meet him personally. |
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