e-waste management, a priority in 2012 - CEA

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

Over two years have passed since the country was freed from terrorism and it is showing a great amount of stability and growth. This is vivid from the transformation in infrastructure, livelihood, health and education sectors.

The environment is another important sector which needs attention. To be a hot spot for tourism it is vital for Sri Lanka to maintain and conserve nature, its fauna and flora and all eco- system. The Central Environment Authority (CEA) continues to formulate strategies and methodologies to monitor, evaluate and manage the balance between development and environment protection.

The New clean air policy, new committees at local authority levels for solid waste management, expedited processes for environment policy clearances for development activities and new industries, enhancing hazardous waste management program are some of the steps to be taken by of the CEA this year.

Dumping of garbage in a haphazard manner is another challenge the CEA faces. "The solid waste management program, 'Pilisaru received around six million rupees from the Government to implement program this year. CCEA, chairman Charitha Herath said. As proposed by Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa a new committee will be set up at each Local Government body for waste management. This committee will comprise the head of the local authority and respective government officials.

The CEA plans to include 100 new local authorities in 2012 to control solid waste management at local levels.

Four land filling projects will be launched under the Korean Exim Government loan and local funds. Herath said. A model monitoring project on land filling will be set up in Dompe under a Korean grant. The project will be completed by 2014, he said.

e-waste

"Work on the project will be expedited this year", Herath added. The CEA has signed an agreement with 14 companies to start a awareness campaign across the country, Herath said."

Clean air

Clean air is a fundamental right of the people and it seems that people are not aware of it. It is our responsibility to protect and maintain clean air. A clean air policy will be introduced targeting 'blusky 2020'. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will provide financial support to implement the program under the Mahinda Chinthanaya.

An air monitoring and upgrading program will be launched shortly aimed at creating a blue sky in 2020. Awareness campaigns and air quality monitoring centres will be set up in Colombo, Kandy and Hambantota.

Vehicle emission tests will be restructured. Testing centres of private companies will be monitored.

The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environment Protection Licence (EPL) will help protect the environment.

"The CEA faces many challenges to implement the EIA effectively", said Herath. "When a number of mega development projects taking place across the country it is vital to understand what are the impacts on the environment and how to mitigate. With the EPL we deal with the environment pollution problems".

Herath said explaining the key areas of concern. "Industries, pollute water, air, soil as well as sound. With rapid development there is a heavy demand to set up factories thus creating a demand for EPLs.

"Our staff work closely with the investors to mitigate environment pollution in factories.

The CEA will improve laboratory facilities this year.