A proposal for Declaration as a GIAHS: The Cascaded Tank-Village System (CTVS) in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka
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The Palugaswewa CTVS consists of 11 tanks, of which 5 irrigation tanks are operational and others are abandoned at present. Two tank-villages namely Udakadawala and Palugaswewa are located at the lower part of the cascade. The upper part is covered with dense forest and shrub jungle, where the wildlife is secured. The two village communities are self-sufficient in rice. All food items are produced by the farmers themselves. Well-drained paddy fields are used for cultivation of onion, chili, co rn and pulses during minor season. Legumes, coarse grains, fruits and vegetables are cultivated in uplands and home gardens. These crops bring significant income to the farmers. The tank itself is a basket of food including fish and aquatic food sources. Village commons, forest and the tank ecosystems enhance the bio-diversity. Upstream tree belt (gasgommana) and downstream kattakaduwa of the main tanks, while conserving water, provide wild fruit and food, local medicine and habitat to many pr edators.