Water reservoirs face dire decline in levels, raising alarms for Irrigation Dept.

• Currently, a mere 900,000 acre-feet of water capacity remain available

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The Irrigation Department has issued a grave warning as the water levels in 73 reservoirs under its jurisdiction have experienced a significant and alarming decrease. Currently, a mere 900,000 acre-feet of water capacity remain available for utilization, highlighting the severity of the situation.

A spokesperson for the Department revealed that a mere 30.3 per cent of the total water capacity is accessible for use in agriculture. Troublingly, within the roster of reservoirs, nine of them are operating at less than 10 per cent water capacity, while 32 reservoirs hover at a worrisome capacity of less than 30 per cent. 

The overall water capacity of these essential reservoirs has dipped below the halfway mark.
Examination of long-term water level patterns unveils a concerning trend: the current water levels display a concerning two to three-per cent reduction. As scorching heat envelops the region, the situation is exacerbated by soaring evaporation rates within the reservoirs.

According to forecasts from the Meteorology Department, the parched reservoirs are expected to be replenished by rain anticipated in October.