Ports and Aviation Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said yesterday that all unauthorized structures, including hotels, houses and industrial complexes, erected on beaches in Kalutara would be demolished to construct the Calido Coastal Gardens.

All OICs of police stations in the coastal areas would be made aware of the provisions of the Coastal Conservation Act and in accordance with its provisions Police would have direct powers to demolish such structures, the Minister said at a media conference held at the Ports and Aviation Ministry Auditorium.

Minister Abeygunawardena said that on a concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during the first phase of the Calido Coastal Line in Kalutara would be converted into a Coastal Garden to promote tourism, provide recreational facilities to the public, open new avenues for income generation and prevent illegal activities taking place there at present.

The Coast Conservation Act had been amended to protect the coastal areas and all illegal activities there would be eliminated, the Minister said adding that several Ministries would assist the Ports and Aviation Ministry to achieve the expected goals.(Island)