(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) –The Ministry of Environment has decided to provide Rs. 100 million this year for the conservation program initiated by the government for the conservation of the Muthurajawela wetland, Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera said.
The Muthurajawela wetland covers an area of 6236 hectares, 3168 hectares up to the Negombo Lagoon and 3068 hectares a wetland. Many people refer to the Muthurajawela wetland as the Lungs of the people of Colombo. This is due to the fact that this wetland contributes to the reduction of air pollution in the city of Colombo as well as acts as a filter for the ground water layer in the Colombo District.
The Muthurajawela wetland has been polluted and destroyed due to various human activities over the decades. Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera personally visited Muthurajawela to inquire into the matter. As a result, the government has decided to conserve Muthurajawela as an Ecologically Sensitive Zone.
These conservation activities are carried out under the full supervision of the Urban Development Authority. The State Accounts Committee even took steps to appoint a Joint Committee for the Conservation of Muthurajawela.
The Ministry of Environment has decided to provide Rs. 100 million out of the Rs. 2 billion given to the Ministry of Environment in the budget for the conservation of the Muthurajawela Wetland for the year 2022.
