Drought measures underway as Sri Lanka prepares to capture monsoon rains

Weather
By Editor_1
Drought in tropical forests and safari zone in Sri Lanka - vecteezy.com/File

COLOMBO – The government is taking measures to mitigate the prevailing drought while preparing to conserve the anticipated heavy rainfall during the forthcoming northeast monsoon for agriculture, drinking water and wildlife, Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi said.

Speaking to journalists after attending the opening of the four-day Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue for Eastern and Southern Asia in Colombo on Monday (14), the Minister said authorities were working to rehabilitate rivers and tanks to maximize water storage ahead of the expected rains.

The regional dialogue, being held from September 14 to 17, has brought together more than 120 delegates from 10 countries to discuss climate action and financing.

Noting that the Department of Meteorology had forecast increased rainfall from late September, with the possibility of above-average rainfall during October and November, Dr Patabendi said the government was also preparing to commence the forthcoming Maha cultivation season earlier than usual, with a meeting scheduled to be held in Kandy on September 18 to discuss preparations.

The recent rainfall associated with a low-pressure system, he said, had provided some relief, although authorities remained concerned about the impacts of the prevailing weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Blocks 1 and 2 of Yala National Park was temporarily closed to visitors effective Monday till  October 15 due to the severe drought, Dr Patabendi said, noting that campsites at Kumana National Park have also been temporarily closed, with the affected areas expected to reopen following the onset of rains, subject to prevailing conditions.

The minister said drinking water had been provided to approximately 186,000 families affected by water shortages across 36 Divisional Secretariat divisions in seven districts, adding that the daily allocation of drinking water had also been increased from six litres to 15 litres per person

Measures have also been taken to protect wildlife affected by water shortages, with water supplied to 113 tanks using water bowsers and solar-powered pumps.

Water is also being provided in several national parks, including Yala, Wilpattu, Kumana and Bundala, to prevent wildlife deaths caused by the drought.

Dr Patabendi said action was also being taken to remove illegal structures located within the coastal reservation, including structures within 10 metres of the shoreline along the stretch from Galle Face Green to the mouth of the Bolgoda River.

He said all structures obstructing public access to beaches or restricting the free movement of the public and tourists were being removed in accordance with the law and in consultation with the Attorney General’s Department.

Affected parties retain the right to seek legal remedies, he added, noting that the initiative was aimed at protecting public access to Sri Lanka’s coastline while supporting tourism and environmental conservation.

-ENCL

Editor_1
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