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Navy and GSMB conduct survey on sand mining
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Sand mines under inspection
The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and the Navy have conducted a survey to identify sand mining areas of the Mahaweli River in the Trincomalee District. The GSMB has issued a temporary prohibition order on sand mining in the Mahaweli River basin from February 15 to 28.
The Navy said, accordingly, a number of field visits were conducted to review issues pertinent to illegal sand mining. During these visits, several places where sand was mined were inspected, and suitable places for sand mining were identified. Licences, which have been issued at present, were also examined. The survey covered about 300 places including Neelapola, Wellanawan Irudiyapuram and Sembalsetti in the Trincomalee District.
These measures are expected to minimise the environmental impact of sand mining. Officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Central Environmental Authority, the Trincomalee District Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Police assisted in the survey.