Drastic drop in reservoirs’ water levels

Disna MUDALIGE

Water levels in reservoirs under the Mahaweli Authority and the Irrigation Department have dropped drastically due to insufficient rain, an Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry spokesman said. Where the major Mahaweli reservoirs are concerned, the water storage was 29 percent in Kotmale, 18 percent in Victoria and 38 percent in Randenigala as at yesterday.

The levels in major reservoirs under the Irrigation Department as at yesterday was 39 percent in Minneriya, 45 percent in Kantale, 33 percent in Parakrama Samudraya and 35 percent in Maduru Oya. He said under these circumstances, priority has been given to release water for domestic use and drinking purposes.

The hydro power generation in the country has also been adversely affected due to low rainfall. According to the CEB the hydro power generation has dropped to 14.8 percent.