It is reported that the water supply to several areas in Kandy has been suspended from the 2nd of this month as a result of the uninte nded release of water for hydropower generation, ignoring the basic principles of water management. Residents say the water supply has been cut off without any notice.
The people of Kundasale, Balagolla and Pallakele areas who use the water distributed by the Balagolla water treatment plant have to face this basic drinking water problem.
It is said that due to the irregular release of water for power generation, the water level has decreased and the Balagolla pumping station has not been able to supply water from Polgolla.
The capacity of the Balagolla Water Treatment Plant which purifies and distributes water daily is 12000 cubic meters. The water is pumped to the treatment plant from Polgolla.
It is reported that the water supply to the silt has been cut off due to the low water level and the army has been deployed to restore the condition of the water treatment plant.
When inquired about this an official of National Water Supply and Drainage said that due to the declining water level in Polgolla, only 5000 cubic meters of water could be obtained instead of 12000 cubic meters daily.
He added that such a situation would normally occur around April.
According to the Water Management Division, the first priority of water management is to provide drinking water, the second is the release of water for agriculture and the third place in the list of priorities is hydropower generation
