Now Reading: Sri Lanka’s solar projects threaten elephant habitat, say conservationists
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Sri Lanka’s solar projects threaten elephant habitat, say conservationists
Sri Lanka’s solar projects threaten elephant habitat, say conservationists
Times of India reports that 17 separate solar projects in Sri Lanka's Hambantota district, each approved individually, could collectively clear up to 405 hectares of scrub habitat used by over 400 elephants.…
The Story in Brief
Times of India reports that 17 separate solar projects in Sri Lanka's Hambantota district, each approved individually, could collectively clear up to 405 hectares of scrub habitat used by over 400 elephants. Conservationists argue the cumulative impact was not assessed, as each project underwent only an initial environmental examination. The area has already lost 8,100 hectares of elephant habitat to development. Elephants that lose feeding areas may move into farmland, worsening human-elephant conflict.
The Indian Opinion
The push for renewable energy is important, but piecemeal approvals that ignore cumulative habitat loss are a recipe for conflict. The narrative that solar parks are always environmentally benign is misleading when they replace critical elephant corridors. The Sri Lankan government must decide whether to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment for the entire 150 MW zone. The real test will be how many hectares are actually cleared and whether elephant fatalities increase.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
