Regulations to restrict gem mining in populated areas: Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st): Minister of Water Supply, Vasudeva Nanayakkara has decided to restrict gem mining using backhoes in densely populated areas, in a bid to protect the underground water sources. "Under the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the authorities are responsible to ensure the safety of water sources required to fulfill the drinking water requirements of the general public," Minister Nanayakkara told News 1st on Thursday (Feb. 18). According to Minister Nanayakkara, mining with the use of backhoes for gems in populated areas could harm the underground water sources, such as wells. Thereby, he emphasized new regulations will be introduced in this regard. However, Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara also pointed out that mining in areas that are not populated is a separate problem, which will be handled by Environmental authorities.