Misuse of water affects farmers

V. P. Sivapragasam Akkaraipattu group corr.

Paddy farmers in the Thambiluvil Agrarian Services Centre have reported losses in their cultivations during the Yala season due to misuse of water in Sagamam tank, a major irrigation work which has a history of over a thousand years.

Sagamam tank was part of the Gal Oya Scheme. It was brought under the Thambiluvil Agrarian Services Centre with the Irrigation Department providing supervisory duties.

The Irrigation Department had its Technical Officer residing close by to the sluice gates, and a number of workers working for Thambiluvil Agrarian Service were living around. "With the escalation of the War, every one left the area, and the tank was neglected," the farmers alleged.

They say that, the water intended for the paddy cultivation had been misused for other purposes without the consent of the Irrigation Department and the farmers.

The farmers said they have lost their capital and have no resources to engage in future cultivation.

They were prevented from repaying the loans while the food production targets have suffered a setback. "Now the war is over, and the workers of the Irrigation Department must return to live in their official bungalows" farmers told the Daily News.