Engineers say 8000 million needed to restore tanks in NCP

By Dayaratne Embogama  

According to the Department of Irrigation an estimated Rs.8000 million will be required to restore the tanks and reservoirs and other irrigation works in the North Central Province affected by the recent floods.  
Director of Irrigation, NCP Engr, Jayantha Herath said 65 medium and small scale reservoirs had been devastated and and another 570 tanks and reservoirs extensively damaged in the disaster.   
He said restoration and repairs of the affected tanks and reservoirs would cost about Rs.5000 million. The officials further said five tanks and reservoirs in the Anuradhapura district had been devastated and other irrigation works transmitting water for paddy cultivation extensively damaged.   
Meanwhile Irrigation Engineers said the tank and resevoir bunds have been reinforced with sand bags and steps taken to provide irrigation facilities for paddy cultivation in the Maha season.