Water, a basic human necessity

It’s funny how a country that once boasted about tank cascade systems and engineering marvels related to irrigation is now struggling with a water crisis due to the prevailing heat. This goes on to show why these resources need to be protected. The tank cascade system was a special water harvesting system that allowed farming communities in the dry zone to harvest rainwater and store it during the drought period. It was associated with water catchment areas and several other aspects which didn’t allow even a single drop of water to go to waste. 
But these methods and practices were rarely appreciated and, as a result, people in rural areas are struggling with a water crisis. Due to prevailing extreme heat conditions the government is now trying to impose 24 hour water cuts. According to the irrigation department and NWSDB water levels in major water resources have receded. But these issues could have been avoided if these natural systems were preserved and used efficiently. Even without this prevailing water crisis, many communities in rural areas have no access to clean drinking water. They have to walk long distances to obtain water. With chronic illnesses such as chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) many communities are facing numerous challenges due to lack of purified water. Perhaps this is an emergency situation,  but once the rains return,  perhaps the government should look at restoring these age-old water harvesting methods and ensure that all citizens have access to water which is a basic human necessity. 
Dilani Kaushalya
Malabe