Rehabilitating water tanks in forested areas is not just an environmental initiative, but a
vital step in preserving ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and providing
essential resources to farming communities in areas where the Climate Smart Irrigated
Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is being implemented. Water tanks, or traditional
reservoirs, have been historically used for water storage, agricultural
purposes, and wildlife sustenance in Sri Lanka. However, as these tanks age,
sedimentation, structural degradation, and neglect can render them ineffective.
Rehabilitating these tanks by the CSIAP offers numerous ecological, social, and
economic benefits.
The
CSIAP takes the initiative to rehabilitate 33 tanks inside the forest area and
another 30 tanks within 300 meters of the forest reservation in its project
area too. To obtain clearance from the Department of Forest Conservation
to rehabilitate the above tanks, a high-level workshop led by the Ministry of
Agriculture, Land, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources along
with the CSIAP and the Department of Forest Conservation was held today (27th)
at Hotel Kamrel in Kurunegala.
Benefits of tanks to be rehabilitated in the Forest Areas
1. Enhanced Water Availability: A rehabilitated tank
provides a reliable water source for both wildlife and surrounding farming
communities. This can improve agricultural productivity, especially for
forest-dependent communities, and ensure the health of local ecosystems.
2. Biodiversity Conservation: By restoring water
sources in forest areas, the rehabilitated tanks help conserve biodiversity by
providing habitats for aquatic species and drinking water for land-based
wildlife.
3. Reduction in Human-Wildlife Conflicts: With access to clean
water, wildlife is less likely to venture into human settlements, thereby
reducing conflict and ensuring both human and animal safety.
4. Climate Resilience: Properly maintained
water tanks contribute to the resilience of forest ecosystems in the face of
climate change. By storing water and recharging groundwater, these tanks buffer
ecosystems against drought and other climate-induced stresses.
Rehabilitating
tanks in forest areas is an environmentally sound and socially beneficial
practice that aligns with conservation efforts and sustainable development. The
restored water bodies not only support forest health but also provide essential
resources to the wildlife and farming communities that depend on them.
Effective rehabilitation projects require collaboration between forest conservation management
authorities, environmental organizations, and local farming communities to
ensure the long-term preservation of these valuable resources. For this purpose, the CSIAP gathered all relevant parties to achieve the main objectives.
Ms.
Anuradha Dharmasena, Director, (Development) of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Land, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
chaired the table and Mr. M.A.A.M. Jayarathne, Additional Forest Conservator
General, Mr. Sumithra Gunathilaka, Forest Conservator, Mr. Wasantha Gajanayake,
Forest Conservator, Mr. G. R. P.B. Senarathne, Forest Conservator, Ms. Devani
Jayathilaka, Assistant Forest Conservator and forest officers representing 11
districts of six provinces in project areas attended this workshop. The
CSIAP team is headed by Project Director Eng. R. M. B. Rajakaruna with Deputy
Project Directors, Subject Specialists, Environmental Safeguard Officers and Social
Safeguard Officers. Dr. Janaka Jayawardena, Environmental and Social
Safeguard Specialist of the CSIAP organized this programme.
Posted by CSIAP Sri LankaRead full articlePublished Date : 2024-09-27