
A kilometre stretch of Kalu Ganga in the Kahangamuwa area was auctioned today (Jul. 03) by the National Gem and Jewelry Authority among gem miners.
This is the first time that a river has gone under the hammer, with this instance; the price was set at Rs. 36 million.
To protest this auction, small scale gem dealers staged a demonstration yesterday in front of Ratnapura town’s clock tower and the Gem Authority office there.
They alleged that diggings in the middle of the river up to depths of 30 to 40 feet would have very adverse impacts on the surrounding environment.
Several environmental groups are also preparing to take legal action against the auctioning of the river.
Recently, the land where the weekly fair in Kahawatte is being held was auctioned for gem mining, for Rs. 4.3 million.
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