Urban flooding

Urban flooding has become a biannual occurrence in Sri Lanka occurring with the advent of the North East and South West monsoons. The main reason for this flooding has been illegal constructions which block drains and drainage outlets leaving many areas flooded.

Last week after many areas were left flooded in the aftermath of the recent rains, the Beruwela Pradeshiya Sabha took matters into its hands.

It commenced swiftly removing illegal constructions in the Panadura, Walatara, Beruwela and Aluthgama areas, thereby unblocking drains that had been obstructed by illegal structures. PS Menaka Wimalaratne, Chairperson of the Beruwela PS said that two days of heavy rain had left many areas flooded.

He emphasised the reason behind the flooding was encroachment onto state land and illegal constructions.

He said the PS had already removed a number of these structures. He pledged action to remove such structures swiftly in the 82 Grama Sevaka areas which came under his purview.

Story and pix by Sarath Siriwardana.

Illegal constructions led to a number of towns going under water after the recent rains

PS workers remove concrete coverings placed over drains which prevented water flowing into the drains