WATER ENGINEERING HERITAGE OF THE KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION

R.D. EDIRISINGHE, M.M.M. NAJIM

Abstract


Transferring indigenous knowledge into modern-day water management strategies is crucial in sustainable exploitation of water resources amidst climate change impacts. However, human-centred understanding on sustainable water infrastructure acquired from lived experiences over generations is limitedly disseminated. The present study articulates the philosophy of engineering design and governance of ancient irrigation systems in mountainous geographies, by an exploratory case study in the Knuckles Mountain Range in Sri Lanka. Mixed–method research design was adopted, by triangulating water walks, transect walks, in-depth interviews, field (ground) measurements, photogrammetry and archival research. Results reveal undocumented unique minor irrigation systems built in confined mountainous streams attributed with step pools, for gravity irrigation. Head-works comprise porous-weirs, stoney head-sluices, off-taking canals integrated with micro-tunnels and spillways. Water conveyance subsystems in the command area comprises shunts, entranceways and three types of outlets operated sequentially. Alternative water sources include retention ponds called ‘Pathaha’, and subterranean watercourses originated from a micro-watershed called ‘Rawana Wewa’. Two types of porous-weirs identifiable are the cross-vane type rock weirs built on the downstream step of step pools and the wooden leaky weirs. Said mirror irrigation system is founded on the values of altruism and minimalism, and the principles of low-impact-development and participatory governance, in which religious ideologies dictating social norms. Implementing efficacious policy instruments to disseminate internalized knowledge promoting nature-based designs and community participation in water resources management are recommended. Further research is encouraged on potential reintroduction of ancient porous hydraulic control structures into flood management strategies.


Keywords


Water-landscape, Hydraulics, Porous-weir, Traditional-knowledge, Water-governance.

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