Eco-friendly embankments to shield Hamilton canal banks

Anushika Ranadewa

Steps were taken under the Mahinda Chintana - Vision for the future to build eco-friendly embankments to protect the Hamilton canal.

The project has been launched under the direction of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Western Province Road Development Authority General Manager R. M. S. Bandaranaike directed the work under the supervision of Western Provincial Council Minister Nimal Lansa.

An eco-friendly coir fiber block system has been introduced as an environment-friendly solution for canal bank erosion which takes place due to boat wakes and natural impacts. The coir block system which is known as Bio-D blocks provides constant layer heights and makes construction of fabric wrapped soil layers easier.

The first stage of the 40-day project will be completed on March 30.

According to Project Engineer Ajith Premaratne 7.5 Kilometres of Hamilton canal bank in Hekitta, Wattala area will be covered under the plan.

The new embankment system which is cost-effective will reduce installation time and overall project cost, added Premaratne.

The method is a concept of UdaraLanka Coir Exports (Pvt) Ltd chairman Lanka Shantha which introduced the woven bristle coir erosion control blankets to Sri Lanka.

According to Lanka Shantha, this mechanism which is 100 percent biodegradable will provide initial structural stability for streambanks by resisting wave action and flow velocity.

The Bio-D blocks will allow for seeding before and after installation and help in the restoration of vegetation.