The CSIAP obtained clearance to rehabilitate another 63 tanks in the forest areas

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 (27^th) 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.