Director of the 'GAFEC Sri Lanka' organization - Gamini Jayatissa, warns that water levels in 08 streams and 10 waterfalls originating from the Knuckles Mountain Range are rapidly declining.
He noted that disruptions to water supply systems have already begun, affecting 05 major water schemes, several community-based projects, and around 25 rural water supply schemes operated by local government authorities.
According to him, nearly 20,000 families across 67 Grama Niladhari divisions in 10 Divisional Secretariat areas bordering the Knuckles forest in the Matale and Kandy districts are at imminent risk of water shortages.
Jayatissa further stated that the Knuckles ecosystem contributes nearly 25% of the total water capacity of the Mahaweli River and plays a key role in sustaining the Moragahakanda Reservoir.
He noted that several major rivers and streams - including Kalu Ganga, Amban Ganga, Hulu Ganga, Heen Ganga, Thelgamuwa Oya, Hasalaka Oya, Galmal Oya, and Hapuwida Oya - originate from the Knuckles ecosystem.
Also, prominent waterfalls such as Bambara Ella, Sera Ella, Rathna Ella, Wedda Peni Ella, Duwili Ella, and Jodu Ella are also fed by natural water streams flowing from the Knuckles forest, he added.
(Source: Aruna)
Water levels drop in several streams & waterfalls originating from Knuckles
