Kotagala Wetland Endangered Due to Negligence

This facility at the Kotagala Wetland which was constructed by the UDA has been left to the shrub jungle with a thick undergrowth of giant mimosa encroaching the area as an invasive plants

The wetland zone has been left to destruction for want of attention of the relevant authorities

This highly sensitive environmental zone, rich in 
bio diversity, is now in a 
dilapidated condition 

The wetland that protects water resources is of immense 
economic benefit

Kotagala wetland, a highly sensitive environmental zone in Nuwara Eliya district, has been endangered with ruin; much to the anxiety of the environmentalists.

More than 25 acres in extent, the Kotagala wetland zone- bounded by Hatton Nuwara Eliya main highway- has been left to destruction for want of attention of the relevant authorities and due to several other issues.

Environmentalists pointed out that during the time of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Urban Development Authority implemented a development project in this location with several facilities; including a wetland park. 

A pond at the location

Saminda Vidanage, the President of ‘Knuckles is Ours’ Organization- an environmental organisation in the Central Province-expressed concern about the dilapidated condition of this highly sensitive environmental zone rich in bio diversity.

“During the time of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the UDA constructed ponds, a children’s park, restaurants, jogging tracks and sanitary facilities for tourists. Today this area has been left to the shrub jungle with a thick undergrowth of giant mimosa and other invasive plants. The jogging tracks are covered with rank vegetation. The drainage system has totally broken down for want of maintenance. Haphazard dumping of garbage has been going on unchecked and heaps of empty beer cans, plastic cans and polythene have created an eyesore.

“The car park, abandoned by drivers, is nothing more than a muddy pool encroached by the shrub jungle. It is imperative that the relevant authorities focus attention on the sad status of this wetland and restore its past glory of being a lovely and attractive sight for local and foreign tourists. The rank vegetation should be removed and the drainage system must be renovated,” he said.

The Secretary of Kotagala Pradeshiya Sabha, V. Wijesundara, who takes a keen interest in environmental protection, said that the wetland that protects water resources is of immense economic benefit in addition to its scenic beauty. 

“However, there is nothing that could be done in our capacity regarding the Kotagala Wetland, which is within the purview of the UDA. It hasn’t been vested with the Pradeshiya Sabha,” he said. 

Giant mimosa plants

Heaps of garbage dumped in the area

The car park is a mud field at present   .