Norochcholai Coal Power Plant could affect Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi: Ecologist

13 May 2018 09:02 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The toxic acids evaporated from the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant could pose a threat to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest living tree of the world with a written history, Ecologist Dr. Ranil Senanayake said today.

Addressing a press conference organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Research (CHR), he said there is a possibility of clouds with toxic acid deposits travelling towards Anuradhapura where the sacred Bo tree (Fig tree) is standing, with the Southwest monsoon condition developing.

He said when coal is burned, Sulfur (S), Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen oxide (NO) is emitted and heavy metal particles also released. These elements form acids such as Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and Nitric acid (HNO3) which would reach the clouds through condensation.

Dr. Senanayake said the condition had already affected the trees in the outskirts of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant leading to grave environmental damages.

He said that it can be observed that leaves of the tall trees have turned yellowish due to the emissions of these gases.

“The unfortunate situation is that these clouds containing toxic acids travel towards Anuradhapura District. These clouds spread up to a radius of 6 to 6.5 km. The sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is within the range of these clouds and could pose a threat to it too,” he said.

In addition, he said a acidic condition is also spreading towards the sea areas as a result. Therefore, rebuilding such harmful coal power plants in future is a threat to the Eco-system.

Dr. Senanayake added that politicians and the officials had sacrificed one of the most revered Buddhist places worship for mere political gains.

CHR Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon and former Director (Alternative Energy) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Engineer P. G. Joseph participated in the event. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

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Comments - 20

saranga.walimuni Monday, 14 May 2018 01:38 AM

Close the shopNo power to entire country... Miracle of Asia

Ardarey Monday, 14 May 2018 01:43 AM

Another prophet of gloom has had sudden liking for Sri maha bodhi

Neil Monday, 14 May 2018 02:34 AM

This is a result of politicians making decisions without undertaking proper investigations. An environmental impact assessment should have been done in the first place. This will continue to happen and we will hear more of such stories until a tsunami comes and wipe out the entire parliament.

raj Monday, 14 May 2018 02:55 AM

where was he all these years ? why a sudden report about it now?

Ranjitdea Monday, 14 May 2018 04:54 AM

Please don't try fuel religious sentiments. We have had enough.

LP Monday, 14 May 2018 05:34 AM

Dr. is concern about a tree.

samanbuddhika Monday, 14 May 2018 06:15 AM

Kindly correct the document ...Boo tree is not called as Fig tree..you may call it Ficus tree due to it's scientific name(Ficus religiosa)...but Fig is definitely a separate tree...

Sunil Monday, 14 May 2018 06:23 AM

Another baseless claim! If that is the case why don't you prove using a scientific analysis and a simulation of how the emissions are spread around Sri Lanka. This is how it is done in other developed countries rather than making these blank statements with no proof.

Vajira Monday, 14 May 2018 06:48 AM

What about human and animals via DM Android App

Rifa Monday, 14 May 2018 07:23 AM

Yes. We’ll shut down LVPS immediately.So people can be served with only 8-10 hours power supply on Rs. 40 per unit.Let’s run some more DIESEL plants under the name board of LNG plants.

Kumar Monday, 14 May 2018 07:30 AM

When I pointed this out in 1999 nobody cared and now why are you guys whining. When I suggested NG to power the plant that guy with a doctorate who thinks he is an energy expert countered that idea. By the way I hear that a CEB engineer is planting tree to contain the spread of coal dust and we would like to know that method since similar mitigation methods fell flat on it face in this country.

Fazli Monday, 14 May 2018 07:33 AM

Diesl Mafia.!!How many of you know, the so called LNG plants which these environmentalists are support, will be run on Diesel for first 3 years? (As per contract/Agreement)This is Sri Lanka.! Later 3 years will become 6 years and 6 will become 10 years. Get ready to pay Rs. 50 per unit.Any how government will give subsidy to low usages consumers (less than 90 units), which is around 70% share. Others get ready to pay including subsided value.High usage consumers, just jumb to roof top solar pannels. So you can generate clean power and send to National grid when CEB doesn’t want (Day time-off peak) and draw dirty power from National Grid when CEB spend billions on burning Diesl (nigh time-off peak). So CEB

joshua Monday, 14 May 2018 07:41 AM

where were you all these days?

Saradiel Monday, 14 May 2018 07:49 AM

I can remember there was lots of protests by various parties against this project. However the authorities at that time gave various explanations, excuses and overruled everything to go ahead. When Catholic church objected due to a major shrine in the very close proximity, they were accused saying are obstructing development. Wonder what all those people have to say now. Sri Maha Bodhi got to be protected at any cost.

Sara Monday, 14 May 2018 08:11 AM

It is a sad situation for all of us of course.How about the forest destroyed in Wilpaththu and surrounding areas, are they not affecting the Sacred area in Anuradhapura?Please do a study and advice the public, it is useless advising the Government.

laksiri Monday, 14 May 2018 08:24 AM

even in the developed world still you can see coal power plant middle of the city without this project today haft of people without electricity. this man is worry too much one tree more than economy and people and asking people to go back darkness

Common Sense Monday, 14 May 2018 08:31 AM

We should have started producing biodiesel longer ago even on a small scale, which is definitely possible.

citizen Monday, 14 May 2018 09:03 AM

what about the people in between, you are worried for a tree and there are people living with sickness as a result of this ill conceived power plant by MR

Dalu Banda Monday, 14 May 2018 09:49 PM

Load Buddha said nothing permanent . So don`t wary too much dear Dr.

pradeep Tuesday, 15 May 2018 08:57 AM

GMOA can go another strike

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Norochcholai Coal Power Plant could affect Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi: Ecologist

Comments - 20

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