India grants Rs. 300 m to construct 3000 rainwater harvesting tanks in Jaffna district

There is a widespread drinking water quality problem in the Jaffna peninsula due to pollution of ground water on account of excessive use of fertiliser, agro-chemicals; increasing salinity due to over extraction, and pollution due to human waste.

In order to address these issues, the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation, with the Office of the National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), submitted a project proposal to construct 3000 rainwater harvesting tanks at a cost of Rs. 300 million especially for the Jaffna District. The Government of India has granted approval for the project through the Indian Small Grant Assistance Programme said Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy.

This project was initiated by President Maithiripala Sirisena as minister in charge of the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation. The project is to be implemented through the ONUR headed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge.

Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy, said that the design and the supervision will be under taken by ONUR. Approval has been granted by the Cabinet of Ministers to sign the MoU with the Indian High Commission. The agreement is to be signed in the next week and the 3000 rain water harvesting units are to be established with immediate effect. This is an important part of the National Integration and Reconciliation initiative of the Government.