Rains damage small tanks

Nimal WIJESINGHE - Anuradhapura Additional District group corr.

Flow of rain water descending from above in to the small tanks situated in the downstream valley in Anuradhapura district has resulted in tanks bursting or getting cracked as the heavy burden is unbearable, said Anuradhapura District Irrigation Director Wasantha Bandara Palugaswewa.

“During the recent heavy monsoon rains due to the huge quantity of water accumulated in Kalawewa Reservoir, we had to release tank water’ out at a speed of 20,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite the heavy showers experienced recently, only several reservoirs have gained 50 percent of the full water capacity in them, such as Nachchaduwa, Tisawewa, Abayawewa, Mahakanadarawa, Mahawilachchiya, Rajangane, and Angamuwa, whereas Thuruwila Huruluwewa, Padaviya Wahalkada, and Manakkattiya tanks hold 20 percent or less than its capacity, according to the District Irrigation Director.