Water resource development planning around village cascades: piloting of a scientific methodology in Yan Oya river basin of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract In the dry zone of Sri Lanka experiencing hydrological and weather extremes, non-availability of validated scientific data on stream-flows and groundwater stocks for sufficient time periods, and the presence of large numbers of small and large tanks that divert the water from the streams, make water resource planning a very complex challenge. An integrated modelling exercise was carried out: first using a hydrological simulation model to assess the annual and seasonal water flows of Yan Oya basin of Anuradhapura district and its seven sub-watersheds for 30 years and their dependability; then using a water balance model to analyze the extent to which the current water demands of five selected cascades are being met from the supplies available; and assessing the scope for augmenting the existing storage capacity of the tanks to reduce the irrigation deficits. This article presents the results of the study with regard to: the basin flows and their variability; and water balance scenarios for five selected cascades, with and without modifications in tank storage capacity. The article also discusses how the results from such integrated modelling studies should be used by irrigation planners for taking water management decisions for the basin with decentralized storages like tanks.