In the serene village of Kalmadu Nagar, nestled in the Kilinochchi district of Northern Sri Lanka, the Kalmadu Kulam reservoir has long been a lifeline for Vellachamy and her community. For years, Vellachamy and her family struggled to make a living from inland fishing due to the unpredictable water levels in the Kalmadu reservoir. August to September, the period marking the end of the ¡®Yala¡¯ harvesting season, was particularly challenging. Today, the remarkable transformation of this vital irrigation reservoir has brought new life to the village and its 80 fishing families, providing Vellachamy and her family with a stable income.
A Reservoir's Journey Through Time
For decades, Kalmadu Kulam has been more than just a body of water; it has been a source of sustenance and hope for the farmers and fisher families of Kalmadu Nagar. Originally restored in the early 1950s, the reservoir has undergone numerous upgrades, the last significant one being in 2003 during Sri Lanka¡¯s civil war. However, the conflict disrupted its renovations in 2009, with a breach in the dam caused by a bombing, allowing all the stored water to pass through.
Temporary fixes in 2011 were not enough to restore Kalmadu Kulam¡¯s full potential. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution, the Irrigation Department of the Northern Province embarked on an ambitious rehabilitation project with the support of the World Bank-funded . Running from 2022 to 2024, the project transformed the Kalmadu Dam into a model of modern water management.
Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
The project introduced a series of innovative solutions to restore the Kalmadu Dam¡¯s functionality and long-term safety. One of the key features was the use of a special wall made with a Soil-Cement-Bentonite combination to reduce leakage, a cutting-edge technology used for only the second time in Sri Lanka. To manage wave erosion, a layer of rocks and fabric was added to the upstream slope, and the dam was made two feet taller to prevent overflow and potential damage. These improvements have significantly strengthened the dam¡¯s resilience.
Safety was a top priority, leading to the construction of a special drainage system to safely manage water at the bottom of the dam. A device was added to measure water drainage, allowing for better oversight and maintenance of the dam. To improve access, a road was built at the base of the dam, making it easier to monitor and maintain. A solar-powered sprinkler system was installed to keep the grass healthy on the downstream side, ensuring the dam¡¯s long-term sustainability. These comprehensive measures have not only fortified the dam, but they have also paved the way for sustainable water management practices.
Transforming Lives and Livelihoods
The real impact of this rehabilitation project extends beyond structural improvements. It is the benefits for the local community, transforming lives and livelihoods, that have made a real difference:
- Improved Agricultural Productivity: With the reservoir now able to store water at full capacity, farmers have seen a nearly 10% increase in agricultural yield in 2024, the first cultivation season after the renovations.
- Enhanced Livelihoods for Fisher Families: The local fishermen's society, comprising 80 families, now enjoys a sustainable income from fishing activities, thanks to the improved water conditions.
- Increased Groundwater Recharge: Prolonged water retention has significantly recharged groundwater levels, ensuring a consistent supply of water in wells for nearby villages, including Kalmadunagar and the left bank canal of Kalmadu, serving over 400 people.
- Empowered Young Professionals: The project has provided invaluable learning opportunities for close to 800 young engineers in the Irrigation Department and beyond, fostering knowledge sharing and innovation. Over 200 stakeholders visited the Kalmadu dam site during rehabilitation as a learning experience. The knowledge-sharing session organized at the Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka, was attended by around 180 engineers, and over 350 stakeholders participated in discussions and experience-sharing sessions at district and provincial levels.
- Innovative solutions for livelihood support during rehabilitation: Working together with the project and the local authorities, the impacts on the livelihoods during rehabilitation were minimized. Farmers were given land under the adjacent Iranamadu Irrigation scheme to cultivate seed paddy for the next season, and the local authorities worked closely with the contractor to maintain a continuous drinking water supply.
These successes are only the beginning. Plans to further enhance the reservoir's capacity are currently underway, promising to bring even greater stability and growth to Kalmadu Nagar and the Kilinochchi district.
