GSMB to shut all limestone quarries within 100m radius of Victoria Reservoir overflow level

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) is to  take immediate action to remove all limestone quarries located within 100 meters of the Victoria Reservoir overflow level.

During a discussion at the Environment Ministry regarding implementing of the recommendations of the Committee on Seismic Conditions, Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe inquired the GSMB Chairman on this.

Earlier, Minister Amaraweera appointed an intellectual committee to study the minor earth tremors that had been reported around the Victoria Reservoir in recent times.

The committee had submitted a report and recommended taking immediate action to protect the catchment  and its surroundings.

The report points out that there were several limestone quarries in the area, and the vibration caused by the explosions at the excavations also caused the internal limestone layers to give way.

Therefore, the GSMB will take immediate action to remove all limestone quarries located within 100 meters of the reservoir's overflow level.

Accordingly, the GSMB has taken steps to suspend excavation permits of three large scale limestone quarries and minor excavations within 100 meters of the location.

The GMSB Chairman also confirmed that no excavation permits were issued to any person who is engaged in quarrying activities within the said radius. 

However, Dr. Anil Jasinghe instructed the Chairman to monitor these activities on a regular basis. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)