Lake Gregory severely polluted, CEA warns of health risk

The Central Environmental Authority has scientifically confirmed that drinking water from Lake Gregory in Nuwara Eliya could pose a risk to human life, according to the Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya District Coordinating Committee, Member of Parliament Manjula Suraweeraarachchi.

He stated this while speaking to the media regarding the facts revealed during the District Development Committee meeting held at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat.

He pointed out that the water in Lake Gregory has become severely polluted, primarily due to the long-term accumulation of pollutants, including fertilizers, pesticides, and various chemicals washed down from the mountain regions.

According to tests conducted by the Central Environmental Authority, the phosphate levels in the water of Lake Gregory have risen to 1.04 milligrams, compared to the standard level of 0.20 milligrams.

Furthermore, it was revealed that while the nitrogen level should be around 0.50 milligrams, it has spiked to 3.70 milligrams.

He also mentioned that the Ministry of Environment, the Urban Development Authority, the Department of Irrigation, and other relevant institutions are planning future actions through a joint committee regarding the current situation.

The Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya District Coordinating Committee further highlighted that this situation has arisen due to maintaining the lake over a long period without proper maintenance and managing it without adhering to proper standards.