1,500 Hectares In Nuwara Eliya To Be Declared Protected Zones

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Nearly 1,500 hectares of land belonging to the Department of Forest Conservation, including areas surrounding major water sources and upper catchment areas, are to be declared protected zones through a Gazette notification.

The decision was taken at a special District Coordinating Committee meeting held in Nuwara Eliya, focusing on environmental conservation, promoting sustainable tourism, and protecting water catchment areas.

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, the Mayor of Nuwara Eliya, and several others participated in the meeting.

Officials were also instructed to expedite the issuance of Environmental Protection Licences for hotels and other businesses operating within the Nuwara Eliya tourism zone, in accordance with proper procedures.

The meeting also focused on several measures, including conducting continuous inspections to prevent the pollution of water sources by ensuring the proper disposal of water wastes.