|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 10 November 2002 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
High pollution industries mushroom in residential areas by Shanika Sriyananda Liyanage More than 300 high pollution industries have been identified islandwide and most of them are in the residential areas, a leading environmental organization warns. Environmental Foundation Ltd (EFL) sources said that there were more than 20,000 industries islandwide and the high pollution industries were mushrooming in Colombo and Gampaha, outside the industrial zones. Most of these industries are dealing with chemicals, electro plating, battery manufacturing, textiles and other highly toxic materials. According to EFL sources one of the main reasons for the high rate of environmental pollution in these two districts is due to the emission of highly toxic substances from the factories. The EFL which launched a four-year program last April on 'Environmental Justice and Equity' in a bid to make the community aware that they have equal rights to live in an environment free of pollution, will presently hold a national symposium on 'Environmental Justice and Equity'. "The most disadvantaged groups are the poor and voiceless people in society. When there is a development project or an infrastructure development project or a factory releases highly toxic substances, the poor people living in such projects will be the victims. They are not aware that they have every right to live in a safer environment", explained Hemantha Witanage, EFL Executive Director. According to Witanage, the EFL would provide free legal aid in technological assistance and hold awareness campaigns for the residents living in the environs where they are affected by pollution. "Our main aim is to see that every citizen of this country enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and has access to legal protection," he said. The EFL is now inviting interested groups or individuals for submissions and readings of papers for participation in the national symposium. For more details Tel: 697226 or [email protected] |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
