Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha, announced that operations to reclaim tank reserves will begin from Nuwarawewa in Anuradhapura.
He stated that many major and minor tank reserves have been illegally occupied by individuals, including political allies, for personal use, with numerous unauthorized constructions present.
According to the Minister, some of these illegal settlements were facilitated by politicians and government officials who granted unauthorized approvals.
He said that starting today, all individuals residing illegally in these reserves will be asked to vacate voluntarily. Once the boundaries are redefined, all unauthorized structures will be removed.
The Minister assured that these efforts will ensure uninterrupted water supply for Yala, Maha, and intermediate cultivation seasons. Additionally, steps will be taken to boost tourism in these areas through afforestation projects within the tank reserves. (NewsWire)
