Pleasure-seekers trash Thalawathugoda

Rich in biodiversity, Thalawathugoda area is now under threat from discarded beer cans, plastic bottles, polythene, empty food containers, and leftovers that are thrown into drains, the pavements and natural waterways by those arriving to wine and dine on the streets and at leisure spots.

Residents and nature enthusiasts are concerned that the natural beauty of Thalawathugoda wetlands and surrounding area will be spoiled causing irreparable damage to flora and fauna.

“Mondays are the worst as we see what’s left from a fun-filled weekend. Plastic bottles, polythene, and leftover food and beer cans are thrown into drains, pavements and canals. Garbage disposal signboards and designated waste baskets are ignored. My morning jog is now an unpleasant one seeing all this mess,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.

Resident Lahiru Dhanushka, 38, who runs a computer repair shop said empty containers have soiled the environment of the area. The area comes under the purview of the Maharagama Urban Council. “Garbage bags filled with plastic containers are dumped in various corners. Canals, drains and waterways are turning into an eyesore.’’

Drains surrounding the Thalawathugoda post office are blocked with empty soda bottles, beer cans and bags. Containers with rainwater float in these drains, making them ideal breeding places for deadly dengue mosquitoes. A nearby car park is becoming a gathering spot for alcohol drinkers who throw away bottles and cans into drains.

According to the Health Ministry’s dengue control unit, discarded containers continue to be the main mosquito breeding sites. The Maharagama MOH division within which Thalawathugoda comes under, is considered to be a high risk area for dengue.

Maharagama Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kosala Muthukumarana said a team of Public Health Inspectors will be sent to check on risks to public health.

“If people continue to throw empty containers into drains and waterways, the mosquito threat will continue in this area,” he warned.

“The Maharagama Urban Council, the Urban Development Authority, the Road Development Authority, and the Sri Lanka

Land Development Corporation should jointly make an effort to keep the area clean. Street food stall operators, nearby wine stores and their customers should pay attention to waste disposal,” said W. Gamage, a resident of the area for more than four decades.

Secretary to the Maharagama Urban Council Anura D. Dias said teams will be sent to clean the drains and collect garbage.

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Director General Hemantha Jayasinghe said an investigation will start.

Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Nimesh Herath told the Sunday Times, that cleaning of the area does not come under the purview of the UDA, and that street food vendors have been asked to ensure cleanliness and removal of leftovers during operation times and after closing hours.

“We have been informed that a cleaning services company has been given the task of keeping the area clean. The local authority will also be alerted,” he said.