News
Polythene proves lethal for Ampara’s gentle giants
Wild elephants are dying in Ampara District after consuming carelessly disposed waste, environmentalists claim.
They say that a majority of wild elephant deaths over the past few years have been due to abdominal-related illnesses caused by consuming improperly disposed garbage and that the direct responsibility for this situation lies with the irregular waste disposal practices of certain local authorities.
They added that non-biodegradable polythene materials mixed with waste disposed of by these institutions are not being properly recycled, and that when wild elephants come to feed on garbage, they also ingest polythene materials.
They point out that several elephants died in the recent past due to the improperly maintained Buddhangala garbage dumping site operated by the Ampara Municipal Council, but since the site is now properly rehabilitated the number of elephant deaths has come down.
They warn that wild elephants are currently facing a serious threat of large-scale deaths due to the garbage dumping site at Pallakkadu in the Dighavapi area, used by coastal-area local authorities for irregular waste disposal.
They further point out that of the three wild elephants that died over a four-day period toward the end of January, two died as a result of consuming garbage mixed with polythene.
They urge the responsible authorities to take immediate action regarding this issue.
Commenting on the matter, Dr. D.B.N. Pushpa Kumara, the Wildlife Veterinary Officer in charge of the Eastern Region, stated that the cause of death of two elephants found dead on the same day in the Dighavapi and Valathapitiya areas was infections in the digestive system resulting from habitual consumption of non-degradable waste.
Gihan de Silva
He explained that when animals become accustomed to consuming non-biodegradable waste, it alters the digestive process, and that eventually feeding difficulties can lead to death.
Gihan de Silva, the Ampara Zone Wildlife Ranger of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, stated:
“There are several waste disposal sites operated by municipal councils and local authorities within the Ampara District. Among these, the greatest threat to elephant lives comes from the Pallakkadu garbage dumping site in the Dighavapi area, which is used for irregular waste disposal by coastal-area local authorities.
“No recycling is carried out at this site. Polythene and other non-degradable materials are disposed of indiscriminately. Additionally, hospital discards such as expired medicines are dumped at these sites, and there are instances where these mix with household waste.
“We have repeatedly requested all municipal councils and local authorities to take proper recycling measures when disposing of waste. Since systematic waste management is being implemented at the Ampara Buddhangala and Maha Oya dumping sites, the situation there has improved. However, no waste recycling takes place at the Nintavur, Pallakkadu, and Pottuvil dumping sites. Until this situation is properly managed, the threat to wild elephants will remain.”
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!