News
Unauthorised structure removal near Chilaw estuary temporarily suspended
View(s):By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
The Chilaw Police Headquarters has temporarily suspended the removal of unauthorised constructions near the Chilaw estuary mouth following a highly provocative crowd gathering.
Nearly 500 people, including fishermen, reportedly confronted officials from the Coast Conservation Department (CCD) when they arrived on September 29 to carry out the operation.
The structures, including houses and fishermen’s huts, were built in 2023 and have long been a source of concern due to their proximity to the estuary.
The CCD had previously issued notices to vacate, filed court cases, and obtained removal orders after occupants pleaded guilty and were fined. Despite these measures, residents continued to occupy the area.
This week an attempt was made to remove 12 unauthorised structures by a team of 30 officers from the Police Special Task Force’s (STF) Puttalam Camp and Chilaw Police Headquarters, but they faced objections.
The CCD reiterated that the unauthorised constructions violate regulations set after the 2004 tsunami, which prohibit construction within 300 meters of the coastline. The current buildings are reportedly less than 10 meters from the sea, raising serious environmental and safety concerns.
Residents, however, claim they have nowhere else to go, describing their situation as helpless. Following the confrontation, officials decided to withdraw, stating that a new date for removal would be scheduled in the future.
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