Kurunegala District Agrarian Services Commissioner, Ms. Asoka Swarnalatha in a circular has instructed all divisional agrarian services officers in the Kurunegala district, that no individual or farmers’ organisations in the Kurunegala district be allowed to drain out the village tanks under any circumstances, as human beings and wild animals will have to face grave consequences due to shortage of water in the future in the face of an impending drought.
The Department revealed many farmer associations have rented out village tanks on lease to certain parties, to catch fish but the lessees have in the process emptied the tanks.
The commissioner has instructed senior officials to take tough legal action against those who violate the rules and regulations.