Colombo (Commonwealth Union)_Recently, seven people were remanded for illegal mining in Horton Plains, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular national parks. This heinous act did not just warrant the criminals on grounds of committing illegal acts, but also was a story to spread awareness on how illegal mining can totally disrupt wildlife.
Horton Plains in Sri Lanka is a large national park which is home to hundreds of different species of animals. While Tourists are allowed to trek through the park, no vehicles are allowed and no acts are caused to disturb the wildlife in any manner. Despite these restrictions, illegal mining causes multiple adverse consequences such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity and the release of toxic chemicals which pollute the air, land and water.
When animals sheltered within the confines of the sanctuary are exposed to such harsh toxic chemicals generated by heavy equipment and machinery, their lives are put in immediate danger, and if this is continued, there will be significant loss of wildlife that is being killed in their own homes. In addition to wildlife disruption, the toxins even hold the capability to destroy plants and other organisms that seek protection in the dense jungle areas. Deforestation as a result of mining can cause a lot of different living species to lose their habitats, again putting their lives at risk. There are multiple such reasons which contribute to loss of wildlife when illegal mining takes place.
The seven remanded individuals are residents of Walasmulla, Ambilipitiya, Kurunagala, and Bogawanthalawa areas and aged between 30-55 years. Officials have also seized all their equipment preventing them from committing such a cruel and illegal crime ever again. This serves as a warning to all; it is unfair to endanger innocent lives for materialistic gains. We have only one planet and thousands of species exist on it. It is our duty and responsibility to care for and look after all living beings that surround us.
