Nuwarawewa reservoir in danger

Preventing the movement of vehicles along the tank bund, was not an arbitrary decision but intended to provide protection to the tank bund

By Rohana Chandradasa   

The Department of Irrigation has reported that the Nuwarawewa tank bund has been in a dilapidated condition and needs repairs.   

Anuradhapura Zone Director of Irrigation H.A.Jayantha De Silva told yesterday’s meeting of the District Agricultural Committee that the Addl. Director,(Planning ) had been informed to take action in this regard.  

The Agricultural Committee met under the chairmanship of Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya.   
The Zonal Director pointed out that in case of any possible breach of the tank bund would result in a massive disaster claiming hundreds of lives and extensive damage to public and private property.   

Nuwarawewa tank with a capacity of 2956 acre feet is 23ft deep has a catchment area of 325 sq. miles. It irrigates more than 3000 acres of paddy land in Yala and Maha seasons while supplying drinking water to a large population. .   

Zonal Director further said that he has been subject to allegations for preventing the movement of vehicles along the tank bund, but it was not an arbitrary decision. He that decision was intended to provide protection to the tank bund.