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Effects of Pollution on Irrigation in the Mahaweli Schemes: A Study of Balapitiya Oya

This overview examines the detrimental effects of pollution in the Balapitiya Oya on irrigation systems within the Mahaweli schemes. Irrigation plays a crucial role in enhancing food production and generating wealth through cash crops, hydro power, and better domestic water supply. However, pollution from domestic, agricultural, and industrial waste poses significant threats to water quality and health in the region. The study emphasizes the need for effective waste management practices to mitigate these issues and protect the integrity of the irrigation system.

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Effects of Pollution on Irrigation in the Mahaweli Schemes: A Study of Balapitiya Oya

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  1. AN OVERVIEW OF THE EFFECTS ON IRRIGATION IN THE MAHAWELI SCHEMES DUE TO POLLUTION IN BALAPITIYA OYAEng.(Mrs.)Thameema Hilal

  2. INTRODUCTION Irrigation systems are designed to increase food production of the country. Apart from food production, there are many indirect benefits and advantages as: • Cultivation of cash crops (sugar cane, cotton, soya bean, ground nut, lime, mango, cashew, etc. • Addition to the wealth of the country • Increase prosperity of people • Generation of hydro power • Domestic and industrial Water supply • Improvement of Communication • Construction of Roads, and other means • Improvement of ground water table The Mahaweli project is designed as a comprehensive multi-purpose water resource development programme that harnesses the hydroelectric, Irrigation, water supply and employment sectors.

  3. Polgolla barrage and Balapitya Oya in irrigation • Balapitya oya originates from Alawathugoda and passes through Akurana, Ambatenna and Katugastota before it reaches the Polgolla barrage • This stream introduces pollutants to the Polgolla reservoir and its entire catchment.

  4. Environmental problems in connection with BalapitiyaOya This catchment is a densely populated area. Polluting factors can be due to Garbage, Nutrients, Aquatic weeds, and Sediments. • Garbage Present of garbage is mainly due to domestic waste, agricultural waste, industrial waste (in the case of Balapitiya oya saw dust, paddy husk etc), waste from shops, hotels and markets (Vegetable refuse, coconut shells, banana trees, polythene bags, timber logs, coconut leaves etc). • Sedimentation This occurs mainly due to fertilizers and sewerage disposal to the stream without treatment in the catchment area. This causes health hazards as well. • Nutrients Urban erosion and dumping the soil into the streams contribute as a major portion of sedimentation of Polgolla barrage reservoir.

  5. Control of water pollution in BalapitiyaOya • Floating debris, sediment and pollutants getting into the stream can be controlled and prevented by implementing the following; • Solid wastes, liquid wastes and garbage should be minimized by introducing re-use and recycle practice. (Low cost methods can be introduced) • Mixing sewer to the stream without treatment should be completely stopped. (Other possible methods can be introduced at the catchment)

  6. THANK YOU

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