Wonders of nature

Trekking Tholangama wetland

By Nilma DOLE

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As we walk silently across the marshy fields of the Thalangama Wetland, through our binoculars, we spot the Indian Paradise-Flycatcher bird flying into Sri Lanka from the snowy mountains of the Himalayas.

Walking down the muddy track, we hear the soft calling of the spotted doves along with the common moor hens as they feed peacefully in the marshes. Coming all the way from the Netherlands to delve in a bit of Sri Lankan nature adventure, naturalist K. D. Dijkstra said that if we’re lucky, we can spot a sniper which is a rare sight. Cattle egrets and purple herons also fish here and several dragonflies and butterflies can be seen fluttering by.

When dusk descends, the night herons fly above us in flocks and if you’re lucky, you can see Sri Lanka’s smallest fruit bat flying from its cave to feed.

One of nature’s best wonders is located at Thalangama which is just a stone’s throw from Colombo. The Thalangama Wetland makes its home close to the historically significant Thalangama Tank that was built during the era of King Parakramabahu VI (1551-1547 AD).

Being the only environmentally friendly area close to Colombo, Thalangama is not only historically significant, but without its presence, the Parliament of Sri Lanka is sure to sink.

However, development and urbanisation is seen as a potential threat because it is surrounded by densely populated human settlements from the Colombo District. The site is situated in the Madiwela catchment area within the Kelani river basin which includes the Colombo flood detention area.

Prof. Sarath Kotagama of the Field Ornithology Group Sri Lanka said that the Thalangama Wetland is an important roosting site for water birds especially the migratory ones.

“People shouldn’t misuse the location because we see many coming on trips and littering”, he requested. The professor said that within the Thalangama wetland, encroachment is also an issue since there is development at an alarming rate. “We should live harmoniously with nature otherwise the result will be a concrete jungle”, he warned.

Raja Puswella, Director of ‘Let’s Trek Lanka’ offering Urban Walks to people absolutely free of charge says that appreciating beauty of the place is important, but people should know how to preserve and protect the wetland.

“There are two quarries near the Thalangama Wetland which makes it an environmental hazard with noise pollution and chemicals being gradually dumped into the wetland.

“I hope everyone who visits the Thalangama Wetland should keep it rubbish-free” he said.

Gehan Wijeyeratne de Silva, naturalist and wildlife photographer, who is CEO of Jetwing Eco-Holidays, is a firm believer that Thalangama is a good eco destination with lots to offer. However, he agrees that development should go hand-in-hand with the environment. “I hope that people who buy property near the Thalangama Wetland realise that they share their home with other animals as well”, he deserved. He said that if you need to mark your boundaries, a mesh fence rather than a concrete wall is better. We shouldn’t chase animals like the endemic western purple leaf-faced monkey who feed on fruit on trees and build your house with eco-friendly material so that it doesn’t hamper nature.

Domesticated animals like dogs and cats battle with endemic species like the loris and purple leaf-faced monkey for food and shelter which is also a cause of concern.

Another point was that bringing nature enthusiasts here is also a difficulty when trying to film nature and take sound recordings of the birds because everyone is trying to build houses.

Other associations that are working tirelessly to see whether the Thalangama Wetland is getting the protection it deserves is the Overseas International School who have their ‘Walk for Wetlands’ campaign annually. They have even catalogued the various species of flora and fauna at Thalangama so that there is a better understanding of it especially for the next generation.

With regard to protection of the Wetlands and the environment, the ‘Nilla Pirinu Ratak’ and the ‘Pivithuru Parisarayak’ are programmes set up by the Central Environmental Authority and the Environment Ministry to curb the rubbish problems and protect the environment. Enforcing such rules and regulations are important because we have to preserve the environment for our future generations.