Issuance of permits for sand mining in coconut cultivation lands has been suspended

Sand mining in coconut lands has caused serious environmental damage as well as reduced coconut yields, according to the authorities.

Accordingly, Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed officials at the Consultative Committee on Environment in Parliament to take steps to suspend the issuance of licenses for sand mining in coconut lands.

It was emphasized that sand mining in coconut plantations is the main reason for the increase in the price of coconut in the market and the annual decline in the coconut harvest.

Courtesy: Colombo Page