Irrigation Department to inspect 266 tank aqueducts after floods

By Indika Sri Aravinda

Colombo, Dec. 29 (Daily Mirror) - The Irrigation Department has begun preparations to carry out an assessment inspection of 266 tank aqueducts following damage caused by recent floods triggered by heavy rainfall.

Director of Water Management of the Irrigation Department, H.M.P.S.D. Herath, said the inspection programme is scheduled to commence next month. The assessments will focus on damage to major river basins, medium-sized rivers, and storage tanks under the department’s purview.

He added that assistance from the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau may be sought where necessary to carry out detailed inspections.

Mr. Herath explained that several small reservoirs have become filled with sand due to flooding, and sand removal will be undertaken only after proper condition assessments are completed. He noted that such issues have not been observed in the main reservoirs.

The Irrigation Department has already identified damage to 218 river reservoirs and tank embankments caused by floods and landslides, and restoration work has commenced.

The government has allocated more than Rs. 23 billion for the repair of damaged main rivers and tank embankments. Measures are also being taken to ensure the timely release of water for the upcoming Maha season, Mr. Herath said.