Field
Exercise in the North Central Province
Recently,
the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP in the North Central Province
organised a transect walk at the Ranorawa Cascade. The event brought together
nearly 80 participants, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Divisional Secretaries’ Offices of
Nochchiyagama and Mahawilachchiya, the Department of Forest Conservation, Department
of Wildlife Conservation, Department of Archaeology, Department of Land Use
Policy Planning, Farmer Organisations, and representatives from CSIAP.
Crossing the Cascade: Observations and Data Collection
The participants were divided into four groups, each
starting from a different location to ensure full coverage of the Ranorawa Cascade: Group 1, from Talawa Ela; Group 2, from Meegasdigiliya Tank; Group 3, from the Agrarian Service Centre, Ranorawa; and Group 4, from the Cascade Boundary.
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 four groups reconvened at the Agrarian Service Centre, Ranorawa, to present their findings and share field experiences.
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 Transeck 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.
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 Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP
