Road Constructions in Wilpattu National Park

[lakdasun]

Something that came in to discussion last week with the opening of the wilpattu National Park. This is an important matter as Wilpattu is the biggest and the best National Park we have in the country.

Some material related to this can be found at

1. Some Press Reports -  Illegal road endangering wildlife

2. Sri Lanka nature Forum's Account of the issue (PDF)

Let's continue the discussion here. Please update the thread with any new developments or new articles on the matter.

[fanro]

I heard once the minister says....... "people can't blame for destroying forests here after. We have stopped that and single inch will not destroy from any forest" ......... So what is this. 

[sriyantha]

Another recent article on this subject.

Agony of Wilpattu - the betrayal of a Nature Heaven
http://srilankawatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=862&Itemid=1

[weli]

This link will also provide some more information...

http://www.lankaenews.com/Sinhala/news.php?id=12613

[sriyantha]

Another article with some aerial images of the illegal road constructions

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100314/Plus/plus_01.html

[Sheham]

Hi everyone

bit more "gossip" I gathered while in Udawalawe. (some may not be true )

They are talking about not one road but two!!! (I don't know how sure this info is?), and then 3 very large plots have been cleared (few acres in extent- once again I am not sure the accuracy) for "eco-tourism" resorts (by some one very powerful  -again I am not sure the accuracy)

Poor animals!! (corrupt humans/politicians )


Sheham
 

[sriyantha]

Came across thie online petition to save the Wilpattu national park. Not sure to whom the author is planning to hand over the petition. But anyway, I signed it and hope we can collect more signatures.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-wilpattu-national-park

[Priyanjan]

Hello All,

Pardon me for saying this but at the rate things are happening in this country with along with the stark negligence we as a nation have towards abiding by the laws that govern matters related to nature, I won't be too surprised if in the near future we see;

A.     The construction of an 'A' grade road that would run through Yala & Kumala NPs connecting Kirinda/Yala/Kumana/Okanda/Paanama/Arugambay.
B.     The construction of an 'A' grade road that would run (may be) parallel to the existing railway line from Haputale through Idulgashinna/Ohiya/Pattipola.

Then we will also have things like helicopters chasing wild animals all in the name of development & tourism!

Seriously!

Priyanjan.

[Ashan253]

Hi Priyanjan
Is It true? Ghosh what can I say

Ashan

[mithila]

I won't be too surprised if in the near future we see;

A.     The construction of an 'A' grade road that would run through Yala & Kumala NPs connecting Kirinda/Yala/Kumana/Okanda/Paanama/Arugambay.
B.     The construction of an 'A' grade road that would run (may be) parallel to the existing railway line from Haputale through Idulgashinna/Ohiya/Pattipola.

Ashan,

The proposal (A) actually came on to the table some time back, but the crowed sensitive the the environment managed the shoot it down. I'm sure its still there in some place "on Hold". Just as Priyanjan said, It will just be a matter of time when another short-sighted individual brings it back

The proposal (B) is yet to come to the table but when you see the level of "policy lessness" and "lack of planing", no body knows when some one will bring this up as a "bright idea" 

[Ashan253]

Hi Mithila
I really didnt know about it, but guess what anything is possible in this country.

crowed sensitive the the environment managed the shoot it down

I really appreciate the effort of these organizations because if they were not there I dont know what will happen to this country. I also was once a member of YZA but now I do not have time so Im doing my best as an individual which is not much but yet its something.

Ashan

[Priyanjan]

Hello All,

I was witness to a very heated argument between a few Wildlife Officers/Rangers at Horton Plains National Park and some officers of the Forest Dept. This happened a few years back at Horton Plains (office). If I remember correct it was the year 2005 or may be 2006. I had no part in it and just happened to be there.(Wrong place – Wrong time!) The issue was over the boundaries of the NP and the forests that surround it. Although, the basis of the argument was boundaries there were lots of other 'sub topics' shouted out too. It is during this argument that I heard this thing about a would be road that would run from Haputale to Pattipola.

Basically, the Wildlife guys were against it and the Forest guys were for it.

I do not think that the guys who were 'for' it are all dead now.  . There could also be the possibility of changing of sides too  .

So, my belief is that the 'matter' may be still hovering around some where. 

Best Regards,

Priyanjan.

[Ashan253]

Hi Priyanjan

Basically, the Wildlife guys were against it and the Forest guys were for it.

Forest guys??? gas kapana aya d? hi...hi....they must be supporting it because they are under the influence of some minister as usual. except for the few people majority of Wild life officers and Forest officers are doing there maximum. I still remember the insident that occurred at Kanneliya recently!
"Lankawe Siyalu Kiri Mutti Wala Goma Bindu Kalawam Wee Atha"
Ashan

[Priyanjan]

Hello Ashan,

What can I say? Except saying  .

Best Regards,

Priyanjan.

[Sheham]

Dear Priyanjan

I just noticed that you have made "1000" + postings, Congratulations!! and keep it up! Your contributions have been so very helpful.

Thanks & Kind Regards
Sheham