In the heart of the Mannar District, the villages of Pusarikulam and Madukkarai stand as silent witnesses to the challenges rural communities face in Sri Lanka. These challenges—water scarcity, farming vulnerabilities, and socio-economic struggles—hinder the livelihoods of families striving for sustainability. However, a beacon of hope shines through a transformative water project that seeks to address these pressing issues, paving the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life. 

The Context of Pusarikulam and Madukkarai 

Located within the Madu and Nanatan Divisional Secretariat Divisions, Pusarikulam and Madukkarai are home to 60 and 225 families, respectively. Most villagers rely on daily wages earned through paddy farming, chena cultivation, and vegetable production. Limited landholdings and recurring challenges such as water scarcity and elephant incursions exacerbate their plight. 

Mannar District and Maddukarai Village © Google Map 

Seasonal agriculture dominates their livelihoods, but the unpredictability of rainfall, especially during the Yala season, leaves farmers vulnerable to droughts. This precarious situation creates an annual cycle of subsistence farming, leaving little room for economic growth or stability. 

Lifestyle of Pusarikulam and Madukkarai © MONLAR, Renaissance Sri Lanka  

Water: A Lifeline in Crisis 

The existing water resources in these villages reveal both potential and peril. While community wells and tube wells provide water for domestic use, salinity issues and distance to clean sources hinder accessibility. Additionally, a lack of agro-wells limits irrigation options, making sustainable farming practices unattainable for many. 

These challenges underscore the critical need for a reliable water supply system that caters to both agricultural and domestic needs. 

A Vision for Change: The Water Project 

The water project aims to uplift the lives of these communities through a multifaceted intervention centered on sustainable water access and management. The goals are threefold: 

  1. Enhancing Agricultural Water Access: By constructing agro-wells, the project seeks to provide reliable irrigation for smallholder farmers, ensuring year-round cultivation and crop diversity. 
  2. Improving Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility: Establishing a community-based clean water supply system will address issues of salinity and long-distance access. 
  3. Promoting Water-Smart Agriculture: Training programs will equip farmers with efficient irrigation techniques, reducing waste and optimizing water usage. 

The Pusarikulam and Madukkarai Water Project is scheduled to commence in the first week of January 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2025. This timeline ensures the efficient execution of planned activities, including site preparation, construction, and infrastructure setup, to achieve the project’s goals within the stipulated period as shown in the below table. 

Implementation Plan: Key Steps and Milestones 

The project’s execution is meticulously planned, spanning several stages: 

  1. Site Selection and Land Preparation: Locations for three agro-wells in Pusarikulam and one community water tank in Madukkarai have been identified. Beneficiaries will actively participate in land preparation, fostering community ownership. 
  2. Material Procurement and Construction: Essential materials and equipment will be provided, followed by the construction of wells and water tanks. The agro-wells will cater to 10 local families in Pusarikulam, while the community water tank in Madukkarai will serve 9 families directly and 36 individuals indirectly. 
  3. Training and Capacity Building: Farmers will undergo training in water-efficient irrigation methods, empowering them to adopt sustainable practices. 
  4. Handover and Monitoring: The infrastructure will be handed over to the community, with ongoing monitoring to ensure functionality and impact. 

 

Expected Outcomes 

The project promises tangible benefits for the target communities: 

  • Reliable water access for 10 farming families in Pusarikulam, enabling better crop rotation and increased agricultural productivity. 
  • A sustainable drinking water supply for 45 individuals in Madukkarai, reducing health risks associated with saline water. 
  • Empowered farmers practicing water-smart agriculture, contributing to environmental conservation and economic stability. 

A Collaborative Effort: Partners and Responsibilities 

The project’s success hinges on the collaboration between Renaissance Sri Lanka (RSL) and MONLAR. Each partner brings expertise and dedication to the table: 

  • RSL France and Sri Lanka Teams: Overseeing project management, reporting, and coordination across sites. 
  • MONLAR: Engaging with local resources, managing logistics, and ensuring compliance with financial and operational standards. 

Funding and Sustainability 

The estimated budget for the project reflects its ambitious scope, with detailed allocations for construction, materials, and labor. For instance, constructing three agro-wells in Pusarikulam is projected to cost LKR 2,070,500, while the Madukkarai water tank system will require LKR 1,095,000. Transparent financial reporting and community contributions will ensure accountability and sustainability. 

  • Estimated Expenses for Poosarikulam Agro Wells 

  • Estimated Expenses for Madukkarai Community Water tank 

Bridging Hope and Reality 

This project is more than a water initiative; it is a lifeline for communities yearning for stability and growth. By addressing water scarcity, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fostering community resilience, the Pusarikulam and Madukkarai water project embodies the spirit of sustainable development. 

As these villages embark on this transformative journey, the ripple effects will extend beyond water access. They will create a blueprint for rural development, showcasing the power of collaboration, innovation, and community empowerment. 

Conclusion 

Water is life, and in Pusarikulam and Madukkarai, it represents hope. Through this visionary project, these villages stand poised to break free from the shackles of subsistence, embracing a future defined by prosperity and resilience. This initiative serves as a testament to what can be achieved when people, purpose, and resources come together to address the most pressing challenges of our time. 

Click here to learn more about the water scarcity systemic issue in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. 

Reference 

Sri Lanka Water Partnership (SLWP). (2023). Water Resources in Sri Lanka and Challenges in the Northern Region. Retrieved from https://lankajalani.org/slwp-core-programmes/   

International Water Management Institute (IWMI). (2022). Groundwater Management in Northern Sri Lanka: Key Issues and Strategies. IWMI Research Reports. Retrieved from https://www.iwmi.org/2022/   

Climate Change Secretariat of Sri Lanka. (2021). Impact of Climate Variability on Water Resources in Sri Lanka. Ministry of Environment.  

World Bank. (2020). Water Scarcity and Resource Management in South Asia. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/home   

Rural Development Reports, Sri Lanka. (2019). Water Scarcity and Its Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods in Northern Sri Lanka.