by Tharaka Gamage
Nuwara Eliya Mayor Chandana Lal Karunarathna
said that they need support from the Department of Irrigation to
reconstruct the neglected Barrack plane lake, a historical water
reservoir constructed in colonial era. He told The Island so,
when we inquired about the lake which has been encroached by
illegal farmers who have connections with politicians.
‘The Island’ exposed the issue on 05th August.
The farmers have filled up more than 1/4 of the tank, and they
oppose any reconstruction, said officials of MC.
The tank has a historical value and its damn
have been built with huge stone bricks. If the tank
re-constructed it will be useful for the environment, tourism
and mini-hydro power generation too.
"We repaired the tank gate few months ago, but
some people have destroyed it again" Mr. Karunarathna said.
"We are prepared to take every action to protect
the tank. But we have not enough resources. If the Irrigation
Department supports us, we can do it, he added.
