Rs. 750mn Norochcholai wind wall lacks CEA

It has come to light that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has not granted permission for the construction of the wind barrier aimed at preventing the waste released from the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant spreading across the area.

Director of the CEA for the North Western Province Saman Lenaduwa said a study is being carried out at present to issue the environmental license for the project.

On the 22nd of June the foundation stone was placed for the construction of this Wind Barrier west of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant which will be 1200m in length and 15m in height. The project will cost 750 Million Rupees and is expected to be completed in 02 years.

When such a large scale project is being executed, an Environmental Impact Assessment Report must be obtained. Director of the CEA for the North Western Province said they have received the application for the EIA on the matter. However, such a report should be obtained before executing such a project.

When questioned as to why a report is being sought mid-project, the Director noted as this is a project aimed to minimize harm to the environment. Nevertheless, Saman Lenaduwa sai permission will be granted after considering results of the study conducted by the CEA and the University of Moratuwa.

However, documents produced in court have revealed that the proposed wind barrier for which the foundation stone was laid is, in fact, a form of a mesh that is used in Wyoming USA to control heavy snow drifts.