HAPHAZARD GEM MINING ENDANGERS 50 HOUSES

in Erabadda Estate, Nivithigala

Residents of the Erabadda Estate in Nivithigala managed by the Kahawatta Plantation Company expressed concern about the arbitrary action of land for gem mining in the estate that endangered about 50 houses occupied by estate workers.

They pointed out that it worsened the hardships facing the estate workers for want of accommodation.

They said the line houses located on an area with higher elevation was endangered with landslide due to gem mining on land below. The businessmen who leased the land in the auction had already started gem mining without least concern about its danger to the people in about 50 families, they said.

The estate workers said they were now living in constant fear of any possible disaster caused by a landslide during the heavy rains which is now being experienced.

A resident Nihal Ketawatta said the National Gem and Jewellery Authority had auctioned 30 blocks of land in close proximity of the line houses violating the rules and regulations applicable to gem mining. He said one of the gem mines was just nine feet away from his house. He pointed out that a gem mining site should be 35 feet away from the residential houses and that the neighbourhood was facing a threat similar to that of Meeriyabedda.

ARatnapura Regional Office Gem and Jewellery Authority senior official said they auctioned 30 blocks of land provided by the plantation company. He said the gem miners would be instructed on safety measures to prevent any possible environmental damage or danger to the occupants in the line houses.