PROPOSED ROAD TO PROMOTE TOURISM THREATENS PROTECTED KNUCKLES FOREST

DFC officials affirm that they won't allow fragmentation of such a unique and sensitive forest through the construction of a road

- By Nayanajeewa Bandara

The Knuckles Forest is a unique forest ecosystem in Sri Lanka, which was declared as a conservation forest by the Department of Forest Conservation through Extraordinary Gazette No. 1130/22 dated 05.05.2000. It is also the first conservation forest in the country. In addition, under the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, the Knuckles area was designated as an environmental protection area through Extraordinary Gazette No. 1507/09 dated 23.07.2007. UNESCO also named it a World Heritage Site in 2010.

"Knuckles is like the heart of Sri Lanka. As the guardians of this forest, it is our responsibility to protect the area without allowing even the slightest harm," said Bharatha Dissanayake, Divisional Forest Officer, Kandy.

The Knuckles Conservation Forest is managed under the direct supervision of the Conservator General of Forests. Only a limited number of activities are permitted in such a forest, and all of them require the approval of the Conservator General. Despite these restrictions, a group of individuals recently demanded that safari jeeps be allowed into the forest and that the existing roads be carpeted and expanded to promote tourism in the area. Environmental organisations strongly opposed these proposals.

"A few members of the Knuckles Tourist Circle and the Knuckles Safari Jeep Owners' Association have held discussions with Kandy District Ministers E. M. Basnayake and JagathManuwarna of the current government. They plan to carpet a six-kilometreroad between Thangappuwa and Corbett's Gap, Attalawettuwa for jeep safaris within the forest. They have already obtained approval for it.

But constructing such a road in an environmentally sensitive area like Knuckles is not appropriate, nor is there any legal basis for it. Only a handful of hotel owners in the area need a road through this forest," said Environmental Conservationist Sajeewa Chamikara.