This
system is the existing Elahera scheme. Proposals envisage extending
the present irrigation system to develop 6,200 acres of new lands.
At present, 4800 acres of lands are cultivated with paddy. The land
slopes are very much the same as for system D. To provide effective
drainage for the proposed areas of development, provision is made
to improve the existing drainage lines. (in 1968 report)
System
G lies in the administrative districts of Polonnaruwa
covers a gross area of approximately 8492 ha bounded on the east and
south by the Ambanganga, on the west by elahera-Minneriya Yoda-Ela
and on the north by the Radavige Oya. It includes the old Elahera
Colony settled in 1947, which has net irrigable area of 2208 ha (5800
ac) with 1160 settler families. The new area to be developed lies
between the old colony and the Ambanganga and covers a net irrigable
area of 2952 ha to be developed which may be able to accommodate about
2952 settlers during the period 1983-1986.
The plan
of development by the MEA consists of two components namely;
a. the rehabilitation of the old settlement scheme
b. the development and settlement of new lands lying between the old
scheme and Ambanganga.
The system
G area covers a total irrigable area of 5160 ha. The gross area of
the project amounting to about 9492 ha.
At present
the irrigation scheme is dependent directly on the main irrigation
conveyance channel known as the Elahera-Minneriya Yoda-Ela which takes
off from the Elahera Anicut across the Ambanganaga. This area was
declared as a Special Area under the MASL Act in July 1979 with a
view of improving the irrigation system of the existing scheme and
introducing proper water management procedures, so that farmers in
this area would not use excessive water depriving the farmers in the
settlement schemes in Minneriya, Giritale etc. further north and extending
the project area to cover the new area.
The Department
of Irrigation the implementing agency of the MASL was engaged in the
design and supervision of construction work in this project. The area
had been developed and consists of seven irrigation blocks (501-507)
267 families were settled in Block 504 during 1983 and provided irrigated
water in 1984. 448 families were settled in Block 505 and provided
irrigation water in 1985.