Experts to begin removal of algae from Diyawanna Oya from tomorrow

By Ifham Nizam

Experts would commence a project tomorrow (29) to curb algae growth in the Diyawanna Lake, a senior government official said yesterday.

Environment Ministry, Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said a discussion on the issue had been attended by several experts from the Ministry of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority, the University of Colombo, the Environmental Police of Sri Lanka and several other institutions. Experts had pointed out that the reason for the unusual intensification of algae growth there was the increase in the concentration of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus in the lake.

The Ministry of Environment has decided to set up a task force to control further pollution of the lake and improve its condition. Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday presented the relevant Cabinet Memorandum for government approval. It is proposed to appoint Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, as the Chairman of this Task Force and it also includes several partner institutions. At the discussion, experts pointed out that the main reason for this algae growth was the accumulation of phosphorus and nitrogen, but it was not clear how these nutrients suddenly increased in recent months.

 There is no plant solvent in the reservoir to absorb the nitrogen and phosphorus added to the water, they pointed out. Experts who participated in the discussion also said that steps should be taken to prevent the deposition of the above-mentioned nutrients in the mud layer.