|
|
|
| Sunday, 11 December 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Operation 'Overflow' : Floods, nature, philosophy and action by Lt. Col. Susantha Seneviratne, RWP, RSP, Psc, Msc (def)-retd Floods come as a result of overflow and 'stagnation' caused by rain. Rain is a natural phenomenon that comes as a result of the reactions in atmosphere. When rain threatens the man by inundation, it is called flood, deluge, cataclysm, etc.
So, the rain, being a natural characteristic of nature is beyond the control of man; but its cycle of operation may be affected by man's activities. However, man is a 'product' of 'nature'. And, nature being man's 'creator', she cannot be blamed for changes, in her attitudes detrimental to man's living. While man is responsible for changing her 'kind' dispositions, which gave him birth, thus making her wild; to punish for his 'wrong doings' there are attitudes, over which mother-nature does not have control by herself. Nevertheless, man should not suffer unnecessarily due to 'un-premeditated' actions of his 'creator'. Keeping this in view, it would be prudent to examine the major causes of man's extinctions on the planet: For the 'War'- man, himself is responsible; 'Epidemic'- this is like 'fire under the ash'- can breakout at anytime; yet, man can have a limited control. 'Disease'- this grows, steadily- man has a limited control; Natural hazards - man has no control, whatsoever than escaping. Therefore, man needs to know more about this; because this is becoming a deadly life-threatening factor for mankind from the recent past. Though man has become a highly sophisticated-modern creator for his material possessions, he has paid scant attention to the ecology of nature. Nature does not require any external forces to be in action. She is well armed with her own forces of energies, such as electronic, electrical, magnetic, light, etc, which are in the process of radiation. No terrestrial or celestial bodies in this universe / galaxy is capable of controlling the reactions of these supernatural forces. Motion of electrons (with protons and neutrons) forming atoms of these supernatural energies decides the time of actions/reactions. Knowing what she can do, man must mobilize his forces to be on the defensive, using effective early warning systems and adopting various emergency action procedures. It must be understood that life on earth has come under the conditions that were generated; following the reactions of these energies. Philosophy The various energies detected and undetected by science, in this universe have been instrumental in giving 'energy' to a living being, on completing the development of physical organs, made out of solid, liquid, and gas, with the generation of heat. It has, then been developed with the evolution of 'being'; gaining the capacity of 'memory' required to store data on habits / practices/ events in the wheel /cycle of life and death ('sansara'). So, this may be the kind of energy, which some religions and philosophies referred to, as soul, spirit, etc and 'life', in general term. According to Buddhist philosophy, this is a kind of energy, capable of forming various 'states' of conditions of mind/volition. It may, sometimes be driven by previous memories, called 'Karma' or 'Karmic force/energy' for both good and bad. But, however, everything does not happen, according to 'Karma'. This is where it is referred to as five orders or processes of 'natural laws' concerning nature: viz Seasonal Law - causing winds, rains, storms, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons, tornados, etc; Biological law - relating to seasonal changes, such as evolution /metamorphosis of all living being and vegetation, etc; Natural phenomena-relating to electrical forces; volcano eruptions, sea seismic (tsunami), earthquakes/tremors, etc; Psychological laws, which govern the process of consciousness. So, 'Karma' is considered only as one of the five natural laws that account for the diversity in this world. Therefore, it must be understood that nature and her various forces of energies would affect everything on this planet and there is no 'ruling agent', who controls it. Her 'rule of law' for everyone on earth, depends upon the reactions of physical, and chemical components of energies; and which one should understand, by developing his 'wisdom' through experiences in his and others' lives rather than, in believing. Understanding Global warming is becoming a major environmental hazard contributing to the rise of ocean water that takes place as a result of increased temperature in the Artic, causing the melting of 'polar' ice caps. This is a global issue which needs to be tackled at 'international' level to reduce the emission of 'greenhouse' gas. Today, flooding has become a common sight; it is being reported from most parts of the world. In Sri Lanka, floods are becoming frequent or regular every year. Flooding caused by monsoon rains is a common feature in the country, today. On the contrary, drought in the dry zone is, also becoming an annual feature. Thus, a change of climatic and weather pattern can be observed during the year. Besides, sudden changes in atmospheric conditions conducive to heavy rain, due to frequent 'depressions' in the bay of Bengal is another common phenomenon in the weather cycle of Sri Lanka. What all these imply is the state of 'impermanence'; or that everything is liable to change as per the 'natural theory', which Buddha discovered 2500 years ago. But, it does not mean that people must give up hopes and let changes, in nature, inflict suffering on them; as philosophy, further says that while understanding this 'truth', man must make every effort to overcome his challenges intelligently while endeavouring to get rid of this suffering by attaining the final bliss of 'Nirvana'. So, the effort must be concentrated in the right way. The root cause of floods in Sri Lanka is not the 'irregular' pattern of rain that causes overflow - it is the 'stagnation' of rainwater. Unlike the landlocked or the countries where only a part is open to the waterfront, Sri Lanka is an island open to the seafront from all directions. This configuration is supported by its layout of mountains/hills, being situated in the central region provides a 'watershed' system of water-flow. After all, this being the country's 'natural' geographical layout, no government has, so far been able to organise the flow of rainwater into the ocean. Instead, what has been done is blocking the natural waterways by excavations/unearthing sand, river mining, construction of dams/sluices at 'inappropriate' locations, etc. Besides, the river mouths being filled and narrowed with excessive, both river and sea sand is, also another cause of 'stagnation'. This includes those lagoons in the North and East. From the recent past, the city of Colombo is seen getting threatened by floods even after a few days of showers; there is no city, which is, so threatened by floods following a short duration of heavy showers. The city of Colombo and its immediate periphery had been a 'wet' land according to history; comprising marshes, swamps and quagmires, with some 'low lying' areas, which were frequently inhabited by amphibians. Filling of this area for development, took place after1977 with the construction of the parliamentary complex and the introduction of 'free market' economy. Since then, 'filling' took place, indiscriminately, despite ecology, environmental hazards, and especially the system of flow of rainwater. Some politicians and their 'henchmen' were in the lead in this affair, which fetched them good money. What Colombo, today is the result of the actions of these perpetrators, in the past. State institutions that came, thereafter, such as 'Low Land Reclamation', 'Urban Development Authority', 'Colombo Flood Control Unit', etc are just confined to offices, maps, and papers. No action can be expected of them on the ground unless political influence is sought/exerted. Even if it is prohibited to fill lands, it is taking place, at present under political influence or by corrupted means. Action What would have happened to the capital, if the recent torrential rain had continued just for a week; all the areas lying close to canals would have been submerged by rainwater, bringing the entire capital to a standstill. The new President's first official visit is learnt to be some of these areas affected by the recent floods. The Presidential Secretariat was reported to have looked into various aspects of the flood victims. For the first time, some officials were seen on the ground 'observing', the cleaning done by labourers on heavily blocked canal in the Rajagiriya area. The State, also allocated several millions for the victims of the floods; but this would'nt have been necessary, had there been a proper system for the flow of rainwater. A comprehensive program must, therefore come into action to stop flooding the city- this is a growing menace. Since there is no co-operation / coordination other than 'passing the ball' from one court to another, those institutions responsible for the maintenance of rivers/canals systems must be brought under one ministry. An effective flowing system for canals must be organised; 'filling' must only be permitted to lands that are not marshy and swampy; all existing marshers/swamps must be converted into small tanks/reservoirs for extra rainwater to be collected. A ferry /boat service must begin; as a mode of transport for both locals and the tourists. This includes police patrols for river/canal for security and to prevent illicit brewing on banks and marshy lands. Thus, a new 'Inland Waterways' must be introduced, using the existing and the proposed river/canal network in Sri Lanka. As gem mining, collecting river sand and clay, etc are all activities for living; must go on, causing a minimum damage to organisms, ecology under a properly regulated program. Encroaching reservations and filling with garbage, thus narrowing canals must be stopped - by 'physical' markings, widening by taking space from 20 feet- reservation enabling flow of /contain more rainwater and banks being rubble-built. Water 'stagnation' is the 'perfect' breeding ground for the mosquito menace in the city. The proposed ferry / boat services will keep disturbing such breeding grounds. However, future flooding in Colombo leading to the outbreak of an epidemic cannot be ruled out, due to shifting of 'garbage', 'sewer' and 'wastewater'. The proposed shifting of the capital to the North Central for 'strategic' purpose (as proposed by this writer in his previous articles) reducing the present 'density' of the city, in terms of the population, vehicles, activities, etc will, also contribute towards reducing floods. It is important to note that no presidential candidate had considered 'floods' and 'garbage' as national issues in their manifestos. However, all these are, now outstanding issues, which the new President has to address; if he wishes to make this country a 'new Sri Lanka' as he spelt-out in his speech at the swearing-in ceremony. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
