The Batticaloa lagoon is connected to the inland water bodies via a complex system of drainage pathways. Over the years we have been disregarding their natural properties and have taken to encroach in to them and block them.
On 26th December 2004 we saw what will happen if we build our houses right in the middle of the natural pathways of the lagoon, but it was too late for such realizations/revelations.
Even after the disasters we have undergone, we observed that building an instant road across the Sinnauppodai water body. This instant road cuts-across Sinnauppodai making a part of it disconnected to the main system.
If so, it will become functionless- dry up and disappear eventually. As a result there will be more flooding in the rainy season and the wells of Sinnauppodai will go dry sooner than ever in the dry season.
There will be no water for us to drink then. But, we will still have the road (but it instantly across Sinnauppodai).
Our question is… Can our children drink the road whenever they go thirsty?
Third Eye
Local Knowledge and Skill Activists Group
26.01.2005
