The CSIAP establishes CMCs to enhance the living standards and the environment

Strengthening the institutional framework in the cascade is identified as one of the key requirements for managing the cascade system. Therefore, Cascade Management Committees (CMCs) are to be formed, consisting of the farmer Organizations and local level officials for resources (water and land) management at the cascade level. The overall objective of the CMC is to restore and improve the watershed system through integrated management and manage water and associated natural resources in a sustainable manner to enhance the living standards of rural communities.

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Southern took initiative to establish CMCs in the province and awareness of CMCs was held at the Divisional Secretariat’s Auditorium in Tissamaharama recently.  The CSIAP will establish 30 CMCs in North Western, 12 CMCs in North Central, 10 CMCs in Northern, 12 CMCs in Eastern, 07 in Southern and 09 CMS in Uva provinces respectively.

At this meeting presided over by the District Secretary in Hambantota Mr P.H Sumanasekara, former Head of the Water Management Division at the Department of Agrarian Development and retired Chief Engineer Prabath Vithana delivered a special lecture on the importance of the cascade system, social, and economic and environmental aspects of the cascade. Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist and acting Deputy Project Director of the Project Management Unit (PMU), CSIAP, Mr. D.V. Bandulasena explained the formation process of CMCs, its duties and responsibilities of it. Heads of Line Agencies agreed to nominate their representatives for each CMC too. and heads of line agencies and field officers including 120 participants attended this event.

Story by R.P.M. Dissanayake (Institutional Development & Capacity Building Specialist), SP, CSIAP