Lunawa lagoon restored to its pristine glory

by Naalir Jamaldeen

The Lunawa lagoon and surrounding areas have been developed making the lives of more than 18,000 families comfortable, Water Supply and Drainage Ministry sources said. The Lunawa Environmental Promotion and Community Development Project of the Water Supply and Drainage Ministry has taken steps to restore the glory of the lagoon lost due to human activities, the sources said.

Submerging threats due to floods in the Ratmalana, Mt. Lavinia and Moratuwa areas have been mitigated by constructing culverts and deepening the canals. Some time ago this area was famous for its biodiversity and remained the sanctuary of colourful birds, the sources said.

The migratory birds that took asylum on the branches of trees which made the area attractive was lost and aquatic life in the lagoon threatened, the sources said. The people continued to live amidst immense hardships facing a serious health hazard, according to Ministry sources. The Project covers an area of seven sq. kilometres with its boundary in the North, in the Dehiwala - Mt. Lavinia Municipal limits and in the South in the Moratuwa Municipal Limits. Flood threats in the area has also been mitigated.