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Last Updated : 2024-04-29 02:09:00
28 February 2024 01:01 pm - 36 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Colombo, Feb 28 (Daily Mirror) - Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) vowed stern legal action against the Adani-sponsored wind power project in Mannar if the proposed environmental concerns on the EIA is not heeded by the Central Environment Authority (CEA), saying over one million birds will be affected annually if the project came into being.
Senior biodiversity scientist Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda said yesterday the proposals on serious environmental concerns about the Mannar wind power generation project will be submitted to the CEA before the given deadline on March 6th.
Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday Dr. Pethiyagoda said if the proposals on the environment impact assessment (EIA) submitted by them were rejected by the CEA, they would seek legal action against the project.
He said even the concerned citizens could comment on the EIA, while it is open for public comments until March 6th addressed to Director General, CEA through dg@cea.lk
Prof Sampath Seneviratne explaining about the situation said Sri Lanka is annually visited by 15 million migratory birds of 250 species from 30 countries as the southernmost destination of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF).
Out of this, over one million migratory birds of 150 species are visiting the Mannar corridor, which functions as a critical over-wintering ground providing breeding habitats for another 26 species of threatened birds.
Prof. Seneviratne said with the oncoming proposed 50 turbine wind power project on the Mannar corridor all those birds will be affected or destroyed. “The proposed 250MW will pose significant risks to both ecological and economic balance,” he said.
Environmental Lawyer Jagath Gunawardena said the EIA on the Mannar project has been conducted based on incomplete Terms of Reference, violating Sri Lankan laws, lack of consultation with key stakeholders and oversight of the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s expertise.
Liberal One Wednesday, 28 February 2024 01:09 PM
These people sabotage almost all power projects. But then go do aragalayas when there is not enough power. Seriously when will our citizen be responsible?
Citizen Wednesday, 28 February 2024 03:34 PM
These bird brained organizations are responsible for stifling development economic progress in this country. Every development or modernisation project is opposed.
Prasanna Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:33 PM
Do you aware of the Environmental impacts of this Wind Power project in Mannar?
Namdan Aiyyar Thursday, 29 February 2024 12:07 AM
Big Idiot. Political fool, typical SL
Hadam Wednesday, 28 February 2024 02:00 PM
The problem is there is no awareness among most Sri Lankans. The first thing to do is create a documentary and raise the awareness then you can produce this to court. Even if this fails local courts you can take this to international court since it's a global concern. Set up a crown funding and get in touch with the likes of David Attenborough who has done numerous documentaries regarding this issue and is easily reachable then you will have a real case to fight.
Patriot Wednesday, 28 February 2024 09:25 PM
Lol
Sam Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:59 PM
There are no clever politians in the parliament or public service to do things like you suggested. They only know to show some drama like chasing after cows etc...
Jehan Wednesday, 28 February 2024 02:42 PM
All this is good. We need think about the environment and protect wild life. But please don't ask to lower electricity prices at the same time. Because they are contradictory to each other.
Upali Wickramasinghe Thursday, 29 February 2024 12:11 AM
No electricity prices can be brought down. The sabotage of the Planning function of the SL state and filling it up with one speciality is the problem.Go for Butyl alcohol as the fuel for vehicles automatically the electricity problem can be solved.
Mohamed Adham Wednesday, 28 February 2024 02:58 PM
Adani is the main financier for Modi and the fascist BJP/RSS party in India. So SL would get its "arm twisted" for any action taken against either Adani or Ambani.
Wagner Wednesday, 28 February 2024 03:42 PM
Mr. Peghiyagoda is living in a different world without knowing who controls srilanka
Sandy Wednesday, 28 February 2024 04:09 PM
Birds can see and can fly high , if any careless bird gets hit that's its fate. You guys eat fish and meat then complain about small things.
Asoka Pandithasekera Wednesday, 28 February 2024 05:10 PM
How can Sri Lanka progress with nuts like these?
ajith Wednesday, 28 February 2024 07:46 PM
In a small country like Sri Lanka, there are not many places to set up wind farms. The ideal place is Mannar. When making decisions about the energy requirements of the country, the opinion of the environmentalists who live in the city should not be taken seriously.
Bull Cock Sabotuers Wednesday, 28 February 2024 09:01 PM
We can comment if the plans are shared of the proposed location and the paths of the migratory birds. Dont know if the bribatory birds ag CEA demanded a huge chunk to be shared with a politician in charge and the investor refused to oblige. Which to believe, we the citizens do not know.
Jude Wednesday, 28 February 2024 10:14 PM
Wind power possible only in Mannar and Hambantota because of the wind direction. Once the wind power start birds will migrate to somewhere else. All power generating comes with downside. Even though wind power is clear but it has downside too like sound pollution as wind turbine blades make noise!
KD Wednesday, 28 February 2024 11:39 PM
Again total debunked BS. Coal plants kill more birds with their pollution
Jude Thursday, 29 February 2024 01:56 AM
Before wildlife exist the people must live!! Some people protest Coz they've been provided a lunch packet and Arrack, yeah.
Radar Thursday, 29 February 2024 02:12 AM
Great! You guys go with begging bowls to various corners of the world and say you want to get out of the poverty cycle BUT when someone comes along with an option to help you throw a wet towel in the form of EIA. Is it any surprise SL will remain as a donkey that eternally will carry the debt burden?
Zak Thursday, 29 February 2024 02:27 AM
We missed a golden opportunity to set another coal power plant because of these idiots. Now we will never be able to get funding for cheap coal power. Thank you stupid greenies
DR NAGA Thursday, 29 February 2024 03:52 AM
NO MORE WIND POWER PROJECTS, IN NORTHERN PROVINCE. BECAUSE EGOLOGIC DISASTER.
Sajjad Thursday, 29 February 2024 04:09 AM
People need to stop complaining the land they have built their homes were once inhabited by wildlife too..
Umar Perera Thursday, 29 February 2024 04:29 AM
Please do follow through with your work. It is crucial. I hope you have contacted the IUCN Save Our Species - which supports science-based conservation action on the ground that saves animals, plants and fungi from extinction. All of our conservation projects have a three-legged approach, focusing on species, habitat and people. Also, the BirdLife Asia Partnership and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Use the leverage of diplomatic channels to put forward your case especially because ADANI is one of the worst companies worldwide - in every aspect of business.
Terrence K Thursday, 29 February 2024 06:53 AM
Where was the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society when the Mattala Airport etc were constructed. These so called donkeys now talking were having their tails between their legs since it was a project of the Rajapakse family and any noise from these experts would have resulted in consequences!!!!!!!
ding dong Thursday, 29 February 2024 07:01 AM
why didn't they protest against Chinese built Matara Airport Project? Because for 2 reasons (1) they do not like Indian Investments (2) they do not developments in Tamil areas
sobers Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:24 AM
The way protests are taking place in Sri lanka, Investors, Aids, even charity may be curtailed. Protests, Strikes, Unwanted demands, Violation of Human rights, Law
DR.NAGA Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:30 AM
IN THE USA LOT OF EAGLES DIE FROM WIND FARMS, AND THERE ARE NO MORE WIND FARM PROJECTS.
Ranga Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:31 AM
I think president should have powers to veto these type of silly acts by Societies or unions It's extremely concerning that many of these projects were blocked or dragged on and poor people end up paying the price whilst industries become less competitive in the world market
Kent Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:52 AM
The real situation is none of the environmentalists are against wind power as it is a 'green energy' solution. But how green is 'green energy'? Also, there are problems with the EIA. The data that should highlight the importance of avifauna, migratory species and the vegetations are not enough. Seems like deliberately avoided. And there are locations that can have much less impact in terms of environment. But have they considered the economical impact to the public in the next 20-30 years? Why do we have to pay more to use the electricity generated through our own resources? What sort of madness is that?
Hadiran Thursday, 29 February 2024 09:09 AM
All modern wind power projects have taken into consideration of birds and developed it's technology by identifying birds before they arrive using a radar system and also slow down their RPM so as not to affect birds . This needs.to be further verified with the contractors technical specification.
RR Thursday, 29 February 2024 09:37 AM
WE SRI LANKANS ARE NOT AWARE OF MANY PROJECTS THAT IS SUITABLE FOR US, AND WHEN INDIA COMES FORWARD TO ASSIST WE START PROTESTS. WHEN WILL WE LEARN?
Smh Thursday, 29 February 2024 09:44 AM
Modern wind turbines cause so much damage to the environment. They last about 20 years and when taken down they are dumped in landfills and never decay. Terrible that SL is doing this and they only think of money and lining their pockets at the expense of the environment.
saman Thursday, 29 February 2024 10:45 AM
More than the environmental hazard, Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda spoke about the pricing which is 200% more that the accepted world prices, that we have to pay Adani to buy the powers for the next 25 years. He described this as a big cheat. Is this what our government is doing to our country? Unbelievable.
Mohan Thursday, 29 February 2024 06:46 PM
Can't we go for solar instead?
Sammy Sunday, 03 March 2024 11:03 AM
They should have done this during the Chinese funded Mattala Airport
Jay Wednesday, 13 March 2024 11:02 AM
If you think this project is beneficial to the country think again. Its an environmental disaster in the making. Countless birds will die unnecessarily. Its also an economic disaster. We will be paying 5x the average cost to a foreign company in foreign currency. Development is necessary. Renewable energy is necessary, but this is not the right way to go about it. Either the project should be scaled down or shifted to a new location. Read the EIA AND the studies made by the environmentalists and economists. Don't be restricted to only one source of information!
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