News - Mee Oya cries out for mercy

Illegal sand mining on the banks of the Mee oya in the Puttalam district is spreading rapidly causing major environment problems in the area.

The region seems to be suffering the same fate that has befallen the banks surrounding the Deduru oya where sand mining goes on unchecked with the alleged backing of politicians in the area.

Officials who are said to be involved in protecting the environment are also alleged to be among those backing the sand mining. People of the area who know what is going on reportedly remain silent due to fear of reprisals. The matter has been brought to the notice of the police and state authorities but little appears to be done.

Action against illegal sand mining has resulted in informants being harassed or assaulted or even issued death threats. Such is the power wielded by those engaged in the business while the damage continues unabated.

This unfortunate situation where the environment is threatened has spread to areas like Nikaweratiya, Anamaduwa, Kotavehera, Nawagattegama, Puttalam and Wanathavillu mainly due to inaction to counter the menace. The scene on either bank of the Mee oya bears testimony to the ongoing damage.

Incessant rains in the area add more to the damage eroding the river banks to a large extent. Any visitor to the site can see sand mining going on unchallenged showing the power the businessmen enjoy.

Speaking on the sad state of affairs, the viharadhipathi of the Wanathavillu temple had this to say.

“Due to unabated sand mining and its consequent results, residents of this area would have to give up living in these regions. No amount of reporting the goings-on to the police have had any good effect. It seems that this menace has provided a way for policemen to earn a fast buck. When we inform the police they in turn inform the businessmen about our tip-off.”

A Pradeshiya Sabha member Indika Senadeera said any political party in power has patrons who are engaged in illicit sand mining.

They get the blessings of the member of the area and most of those in the racket happen to be his voters. Whichever party is in power the game goes on and it is the environment that is affected, he said.

The damage done as a result of illicit sand mining is huge and irreclaimable. People of the area are of the common opinion that even now it is not too late to stop the menace and save the environment from further damage.

It depends on how long those in authority ignore the issue and allow the businessmen to go on making money at the expense of our precious environment.