Water levels in 612 irrigation tanks in the Anuradhapura District have fallen below 5% amid severe drought conditions affecting the Rajarata region, District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasooriya said.
The District Secretary noted that 788 of the district’s 2,410 minor irrigation tanks have also almost completely dried up due to the prevailing dry weather.
Speaking to media today (31), District Secretary Wimalasooriya said drought conditions are usually experienced in the Rajarata region from July to October. However, the situation this year is more severe compared to previous years.
He said more than 75% of the remaining water reserves are concentrated in just seven major reservoirs.
The rapidly declining water levels have created difficulties in securing drinking water and are severely affecting agricultural activities and the water requirements of wildlife.
The District Secretary said the severe drought is having a significant impact on the people, environment and wildlife in the Rajarata region.
