Lakvijaya power plant causes water shortage

Colombo (News1st) : Residents living close to the Norocholai coal power plant charge that they are suffering from a shortage of drinking water in the area. The CEB began work on a wind barrier around the power plant and had also begun sprinkling water in the area to reduce the spread of the byproducts from the Norocholai coal power plant. The water required for this is obtained from tube wells at the power plant. As a result of this area residents are facing a situation where the groundwater they use for consumption and cultivations is fast running out. The Wayamba Provincial environmental authority has for the past 1 and a half years not issued the environmental protection licence for the Norocholai coal power plant due to the adverse impact it has on the environment. Following an inquiry by News1st the Director of the Provincial Environmental authority Saman Lenaduwa said that an examination is being conducted for the granting of the licence for the project.