A top official of the Central Environment Authority (CEA) and his son are engaged in a hotel project being constructed in an ecologically sensitive area which also has a historical, cultural and agricultural value in the Rathkinda area of Matale, it was reported.
The villagers said the Thelagamuwa Oya, which is one of the two main sources of water for the Moragahakanda Reservoir, flows through this area bordering the Knuckles World Heritage Reserve, and the Katukithula Canal in Katupollanda which has been supplying water to agricultural activities for a long time, is also located within this area.
The locals said the construction of the hotel is being carried out on a land situated 100 meters away from the Thelagamuwa Oya and a stone-paved road is also being constructed to visit the Oya from the hospital.
They said the water catchment area of the stream has also been damaged during the construction of the road leading to the hotel.
Similarly, the 6-feet wide and 500-meter long access road to the hotel complex is being constructed through the Katukitula Canal in the middle of Bulatwelhena and the villagers said the work on a 200-meter section has already been completed.
