A three-tiered approach comprising reduction of probability of flooding or dam breaks, sustainable flood-proof spatial planning and building, and conventional disaster preparedness that has been developed in the Netherlands was a key element of the comprehensive presentation made in the course of the 2nd LIRNEasia Disaster Risk Reduction Lecture by Dr Aad Correlje of the Delft University of Technology held on the 27th April 2011 at the BCIS Auditorium in Colombo.
The lecture also served as a memorial to the victims of the Kantale dam disaster in April 1986, 25 years ago. The documentary made by Divakar Goswami on the Kantale disaster was shown and a minute of silence was observed.
The response panel comprising Bandula Mahanama (a community leader from one of the worst flood-affected areas in the Polonnaruwa District), S. Karunaratne (Sri Lanka National Committee on Large Dams), Dr Kamal Laksiri (Ceylon Electricity Board) and Mr U.W.L. Chandradasa (Disaster Management Center) was ably moderated by Nalaka Gunawardene. Energetic participation by the audience focused on the incentive structures the privilege construction and rehabilitation over maintenance and the possibilities of getting communities involved in safeguarding the dams that form a critical part of Sri Lanka’s culture and self-image.
The presentation by Aad Correlje is here.
2 Comments
Nalaka Gunawardene
I was glad to anchor the discussion, and hope it adds to the momentum now building up for better operation and maintenance of dams and reservoirs.
I’ve just written about it on my own blog: http://movingimages.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/everybody-lives-downstream-but-not-with-the-same-peace-of-mind/
Note this para in particular:
“Lankans are justifiably proud of their ancient hydrological civilisation — but don’t take enough care of it. Nothing lasts forever, of course, but irrigation systems can serve for longer if properly maintained. In a world where extreme weather is becoming increasingly commonplace, we can’t afford to sit on 25 centuries of historical laurels. Unless we maintain the numerous dams and irrigation systems – most of which are still being used for farming – heritage can easily turn into hazard.”
Rohan Samarajiva
Coverage:
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110501/Plus/plus_05.html
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2011/05/01/disaster-in-retrospect-25-years-after-the-kantale-dam-breach/
______________
Abu Saeed Khan: Champion of Connectivity
Abu Saeed Khan has taken leave of us. We celebrate a life well-lived and mourn the loss of a valued friend and colleague.
Renowned Bangladeshi Telecom expert and LIRNEasia Senior Policy Fellow Abu Saeed Khan passes away
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Abu Saeed Khan, a renowned telecommunications expert, and Senior Policy Fellow at LIRNEasia. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
LIRNEasia is hiring: Communications Intern
LIRNEasia is seeking a talented individual to join the team as a Communications Intern. The full job description is available here.
Links
User Login
Themes
Social
Twitter
Facebook
RSS Feed
Contact
12, Balcombe Place, Colombo 08
Sri Lanka
+94 (0)11 267 1160
+94 (0)11 267 5212
info [at] lirneasia [dot] net
Copyright © 2024 LIRNEasia
a regional ICT policy and regulation think tank active across the Asia Pacific