'Pilisaru' to recycle garbage
Project aims garbage free country by 2012 :
Anuradha KODAGODA
Agriculture Agrarian Services and Mahaweli Development Minister
Maithripala Sirisena said the country spends Rs. 65 million annually on
chemical fertilizers, money that could be saved if we are able to
produce local substitutes.
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Minister Maithripala Sirisena |
He was the chief guest at the launch of the 'Pilisaru' environment
project conducted by the Central Environment Authority, at the National
Youth Council Centre at Maharagama.
The project is aimed at building a garbage free country by the year
2012. The Minister said it was important to form 'Pilisaru' societies in
every province so that it would help to reduce chemical fertilizer usage
in farming and also save foreign exchange.
Environment Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said "Due to the high
technology use in the world, there is a huge increase in the usage of
chemicals in most of the industries. Today's agriculture is heavily
dependant on chemicals which are unhealthy in every aspect."
"By the 'Pilisaru' project where we are hoping to eliminate
environment pollution due to garbage, by 2012 and also to persuade
farmers to make carbonic fertilizers by using their produce waste. The 'Pilisaru'
environment project commenced in April 2008 and is operating at
provincial level. The Central Environment Authority is assisting all the
Pradeshiya Sabhas to ensure success this project," he said.
"At the initial stage of the project we have started garbage disposal
on a provincial basis. Out of the 340 Pradeshiya Sabhas we have started
this project in 40 PS already. We have received a good response. We have
selected 10 people from each village and trained them how to recycle
garbage.
We are hoping to continue this exercise in all provinces through the
Provincial Councils," Central Environment Authority official, Pasan
Gunasena said. |
