Dam renovation project launched

Chaminda PERERA

The government has launched a massive project to renovate the dams of major irrigation tanks in the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.

All high risk dams in the Kalawewa, Huruluwewa, Tisawewa, Nachchaduwa and Nuwarawewa in the Anuradhapura district are being renovated under this project implemented by the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry.

Dams of five major tanks, including, Parakrama Samudra and Minneriya tanks are also being renovated under this project.

The renovation project includes clearing and uprooting of secondary growth jungle along the down stream and removing of risky dead trees fro the dam and tanks.

The government has allocated Rs.188 million for the renovation of Parakrama Samudraya and 85 per cent of the work has already been completed.

According to ministry official, over Rs 1,488 million has been allocated for the project and over 50 per cent of renovation activities have been already completed.