A
transect walk, which is a serious of
observations performed while walking across a geographical area (village, tank
catchment, cascade, etc.) by observing, asking, listening, looking and
producing a transect diagram, has been designed under the Climate Smart
Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) to collect essential data for developing
future work plans of the Cascade Management Committees (CMCs). This hands-on
approach enables the collection of vital information on natural resource use,
water resources, and geographical features of cascades (Ellanga)—forming the
foundation for a practical and sustainable management plan. The main objective
of the transect walk is to create a detailed cascade profile that will support
the development of a comprehensive management plan to enhance water
productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cascade
ecosystem.
Field
Exercise in the Six Provinces
The Deputy Project Director’s Offices of CSIAP in North Western, North Central,
Northern, Eastern, Uva and Southern provinces organised transect walks based on
cascades in its project areas. The event brought together many participants,
including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Divisional
Secretaries’ Offices, the Department of Forest Conservation, the Department of
Wildlife Conservation, the Department of Archaeology, Department of Land Use Policy
Planning, Farmer Organisations, the Department of Agrarian Development, and
representatives from the CSIAP.
Participants gathered at designated locations in each province under the patronage of the CSIAP Deputy Project Directors’ Offices. Prior to commencement, the objectives and methodology of the transect walk were clearly explained to all participants. Subsequently, the groups proceeded on the walk up to their respective designated destinations.
Crossing
the Cascade: Observations and Data Collection
The participants were divided into groups, each starting from a different
location to ensure full coverage of Cascade. Throughout the walk, the groups
observed, studied, and collected data on the following key aspects: Soil
variations and geographical features, Agricultural lands and mangrove
ecosystems, Environmental degradation and tank-based ecosystem status, Wildlife
presence (both harmful and harmless), Agricultural land use patterns, Misuse of
forest reserves and related livelihood activities, Socioeconomic conditions of
the local community and Damages caused by various constructions. At the end of
the field activity, all groups
reconvened at places where commenced their transect walk in the morning, to
present their findings and share field experiences.
The
CSIAP’s First-Ever Transect Walk Held in the Babawa Cascade
The first-ever
transect walk planned under the CSIAP was yesterday (16th) organised by the Deputy
Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in the Southern Province in the Babawa Cascade, marking a significant
milestone in promoting participatory cascade management. The event brought
together over 70 participants, including members of Cascade Management
Committees and relevant government officials.
Participants gathered at the designated area of the Babawa Cascade and were divided into three groups. Each group undertook a transect walk from different starting points, collectively covering the entire Babawa Cascade up to the final reservoir, the Babawa Lake.
* The first group commenced their walk from the Ellanga boundary above Tabarawa Lake, passing through Tambarawa Lake, Muliththan Lake, Karabidangu Lake, Maila Gus Lake, Karuvala Bend, Rotawala Lake, Deiyange Lake, Bandu Lake, and Halemba Lake, before reaching Babawa Lake, covering a distance of approximately 10 km.
* The second group began their transect walk from Panagammana Tank, proceeding via Bandu Lake and Halemba Lake to Babawa Lake, covering around 11 km.
* The third group started from Millatta Lake and walked through Julpatana Lake, Aliwala, Muwan Lake, and Mailattha, finally reaching Babawa Lake, covering a distance of approximately 8 km.
This transect walk provided an important platform for stakeholders to observe cascade-level conditions firsthand, identify issues related to water management and ecosystem health, and strengthen coordination among community members and government institutions for sustainable cascade management.Mr. M.S.K. Suwandaarachchi, Deputy Project Director, and Mr. R.P.M. Dissanayake, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist of the CSIAP at the Southern Provincial Office, led the transect walk with the support and active participation of the project staff
Building
a Scientific Cascade Management Plan
Using the data and observations gathered during the transect walk, CSIAP aims
to develop a scientific and practical cascade management plan. This plan will
address critical issues related to hydrology, geology, geography, livelihood
development, and local economic interconnections. It will also take into
account existing and proposed constructions, ecosystem status, cropping
patterns, irrigation management challenges, and command area linkages. Based on
this information, new and detailed cascade maps will be created to support
data-driven planning.
The
Value of a Cascade Profile
Using this information from the Transect walk, CSIAP will develop a new series
of cascade maps and profiles that highlight the interconnections between
catchments and tank networks—providing a comprehensive understanding of the
Ranorawa Cascade’s dynamics. A cascade profile is a vital management tool that
illustrates the relationships among natural, agricultural, and human systems
within a cascade. It helps identify resource use patterns, environmental
challenges, biodiversity status, and socioeconomic realities of surrounding
communities. This profile serves as a common reference for multiple agencies,
encouraging collaboration and informed decision-making. It also supports
farmers and local authorities by offering clear insights into land use, water
availability, and ecosystem health.
Building
Awareness and Cooperation
Beyond data collection, the transect walk promotes awareness and cooperation
among stakeholders. It provides an opportunity for local politicians,
policymakers, stakeholder institutions, and farming communities to understand
the condition of their cascades and recognise the importance of proactive
conservation measures. Through shared learning, the initiative strengthens
coordination among institutions and communities, ensuring that natural
resources are managed collectively and responsibly.
Towards
Sustainable Rural Development
Through such scientific and community-driven initiatives, the Climate Smart
Irrigated Agriculture Project continues its mission to empower Cascade
Management Committees, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote the sustainable
management of natural resources. The CSIAP’s long-term vision is to ensure
that rural communities thrive in harmony with nature—protecting, conserving,
and improving their village environments for generations to come.
By
Samantha Mallawaarchchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP
