Tamils protest illegal construction of a dam in Vavuniya

Tamil residents of Chettikulam Vazhavaithakulam, Andiapuliankulam in Vavuniya staged a protest today demanding that the illegal construction of a dam be halted as it poses a grave risk to at least 80 families.

The protestors said that an individual had initiated the construction of the dam without any permission from the relevant authorities. They added that if the dam overflows, at least 80 families will have their homes submerged. 

The protestors pointed out that the construction of such a dam without an impact assessment in a place where there are no open fields, poses a threat to the residents of the town. 

The demonstration came to an end after a rural development officer of the district visited the protest site and said that the land belonged to the Forestry Department, therefore that the Divisional Secretariat would discuss the matter with the Forestry Department.