Maragala Kanda, an environmentally protected area

The Central Environment Authority has taken steps to designate the Maragala Kanda area in Moneragala as an environmentally protected area, under the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980 and the authority vested on the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Areas such as Talangama Wewa and Gregory Wewa and their surrounding marshy lands, Knuckles and Muthurajawela have already been declared as environmentally protected areas under this Act.

Accordingly, Maragala Kanda has been declared as the fifth Environmentally Protected Zone.

The Hantana mountain, Bolgoda ganga and Walawwatta Waturana marshy forest are also being considered for declaration as environmentally protected areas.

Before the declaration regarding the Maragala Kanda was made, its biodiversity, archaeological values, the supply of water to the Moneragala area, its natural beauty and natural mountains were taken into consideration.

The designation as an Environmentally Protected Area allows permission for only constructing infrastructure facilities up to 1,000 feet altitude, agricultural activities, tourism and entertainment activities, park, playground, educational and research activities, forestation, planting small plants, drinking water projects and housing projects.