– Authorities have launched an urgent joint action plan to address the worsening water pollution issue at Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya, with immediate and long-term measures proposed to protect the lake and preserve its tourism value.

Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody led a special inspection and joint discussion on the issue this morning (28), held at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat.The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Nuwara Eliya District Coordinating Committee Chairman Manjula, District Secretary Nandana Jayakody, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K. R. Uduwawala, the District Director of the Central Environmental Authority and officials from the Irrigation Department, National Water Supply and Drainage Board and Urban Development Authority.It was decided to establish a management committee comprising representatives of the Sri Lanka Navy, Central Environmental Authority, Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and District Secretariat to formulate and implement immediate measures to control the pollution.

Authorities also agreed to reactivate the existing 13-pond natural treatment system, which was designed to naturally filter agricultural runoff and urban wastewater before it reaches Gregory Lake.Further measures include improving natural aeration and introducing natural filtration methods to reduce foul odours and lower nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the lake.Authorities will also expedite long-term projects aimed at preventing wastewater from the Nuwara Eliya municipal sewerage network and other waste from entering the lake.The relevant state institutions are expected to work jointly to implement both short- and long-term measures promptly, with the aim of restoring the environmental quality of Gregory Lake while safeguarding its importance as a major tourist attraction.