Rs.12.5 b for Beira Lake cleanup project

The Beira Lake, which is known for being polluted, would soon be cleaned up thanks to a hefty Rs.12.5 billion project to be implemented by the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development. 

The Cabinet on Tuesday gave the green light to a development project proposed by Minister Champika Ranawaka to develop about 120 acres of the Beira Lake and its surrounding area as a recreational and biodiversity zone. 

The lake, which is a key source in managing the city’s storm water drainage system, has been an illegal dumping ground for solid waste and drainage that have polluted the water source and affected the fauna and flora of the Beira Lake ecosystem. 

Further, illegal and haphazard development activities and unauthorised construction has obstructed access points to the Beira Lake, limiting its contribution to the storm water management system of the capital. The project aims to improve these qualities of the lake through the development project.