Nandhikkadal, Nayaru, Sambalativu lagoons to be converted as forest conservation zones: Amaraweera

The government has approved the designation of the area including the Sambalathivu, Nayaru and Nandhikkadal in the Trincomalee district as forest conservation zones, Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

The decision was made following a discussion yesterday (22) at the Ministry.

It was also discussed the ways and means to clean the lagoons which are heavily polluted.

Minister Amaraweera advised the Wildlife Director General to expidite the work as the cabinet has already granted the approval.

Also, it was emphasized that the Nayaru and Nandhikkadal lagoons are polluted due to various human activities, and many mangroves and lagoon-based organisms are under threat of extinction due to the filling of lagoons with the disposal of numerous wastes.

The Minister decided to appoint a special committee to study the facts to conserve the two lagoons and instructed to submit a report within two weeks.