The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) is working on a project proposal to monitor sea sand mining in Negombo, to build the Colombo Financial City (Port City), as recommended by the Coast Conservations Department.
The recommendation for NARA to monitor dredging is one of the 70 conditions under which the Environmental Impact Assessment on the Negombo sand mining project was approved by the Coast Conservation Department.
According to the conditions laid out in the environment permit issued to the project, a proper extraction method and technology to prevent or minimize any potential damage to the environment during the extraction period shall be maintained and extend support to carry out research in relation to fishing impacts, biological impacts due to sand extraction in collaboration with NARA and any damages or changes on fishery resources, other aquatic resources and marine environment due to project activities should be restored.
The Chairman of NARA, Dr. Ajith Premaratne said that the focus of the monitoring mechanism is to look into fisheries in the area, as well as biological and socio-economic impact of the project as stipulated in the environmental licence.
NARA hopes to launch monitoring activities after the project proposal and the budget is approved.
However, Premaratne was uncertain of an exact timeline, and said budget estimations too would vary depending on the extent of the land they have to monitor. When inquired about mitigating measures as part of monitoring mechanism, Premaratne said that continued monitoring too is a mitigating measure, and the other mitigating measures will be formalized based on the ‘scientific findings’ on the impact of dredging. Fishermen in Negombo protested continuously throughout last week against the sand mining project in Negombo, claiming that the project will disrupt their livelihood as well as damage the environment.
However, the line minister, Minister Champika Ranawaka disagreed with this view and said that assessment reports state that the damage to the environment will be minimal and if the fishermen have a scientific reason for their demand, the government will consider their pleas.