A new programme to obtain groundwater as a solution to drinking water shortages has been launched in Sri Lanka, with the initial phase commencing today in the Monaragala District.
The programme aims to provide a sustainable solution to the drinking water crisis caused by prevailing dry weather conditions, which have been further exacerbated by El Niño conditions.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, drinking water is currently being supplied to more than 75,000 people affected by the dry weather across seven districts. The total number of people affected in Monaragala, Badulla, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Ratnapura, Batticaloa and Ampara districts has exceeded 84,500.
Several Divisional Secretariat divisions in these districts have been identified as severely affected by the prevailing drought conditions.
In Monaragala District alone, around 15,000 families across 75 Grama Niladhari divisions in eight Divisional Secretariat divisions are facing difficulties due to the shortage of water. The Monaragala, Siyambalanduwa and Madagama Divisional Secretariat divisions have been identified as the worst-affected areas.
At present, drinking water is being distributed to affected communities using 39 water bowsers.
The groundwater extraction programme officially commenced today in Rattapitiya village, located within the Magandanamulla Grama Niladhari Division of Monaragala.
Under the programme, 267 existing tube wells are scheduled to be rehabilitated. In addition, 100 new large-scale tube wells will be constructed to increase access to groundwater and provide a more reliable source of drinking water for drought-affected communities.
Authorities expect the groundwater programme to strengthen emergency water supplies while providing a longer-term solution to recurring drinking water shortages in the affected districts.
