Adequate water available for Maha Season cultivation

By Charithya Kumarasiri

Colombo, January 6 (Daily Mirror) - The Water Management Branch of the Irrigation Department has assured that sufficient water is available in reservoirs to support agricultural activities during the Maha cultivation season, with major reservoirs currently holding around 81 per cent of their total capacity.

Officials said the existing storage levels are more than adequate to meet irrigation requirements, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for farmers throughout the Maha season.

They further clarified that the practice of maintaining reservoir water levels at about three feet below full capacity does not indicate a shortage. Instead, it is a deliberate water management strategy adopted to accommodate additional rainfall expected during the North-East monsoon.

According to officials, keeping reservoirs slightly below full capacity allows them to safely absorb incoming rainwater while minimising the risk of overflow and potential damage to surrounding areas and infrastructure.

The Irrigation Department emphasised that these measures form part of proactive water management practices aimed at ensuring continuous irrigation for farmers while safeguarding reservoirs and nearby communities during the monsoon period.