Generation of a user friendly spatial information system for the rehabilitation and restoration of small scale irrigation schemes in selected 5 divisional secretariat divisions in Hambantota District

Abstract

This paper attempts at identifying, collection, and analyzing of small-scale irrigation systems and introduction of a spatial information system for small scale irrigation systems as an attempt to fulfill the requirement of many government and non governmental organizations. For the first stage of SIS (spatial information system), 5 DS divisions were selected from Hambantota district namely Ambalanthota, Weeraketiya, Beliatta, Angunukolapelessa and Tangalle representing highly dense, highly cultivated and lower population dense areas. The selected area consisted with a good network of small scale irrigation schemes. However at present most of these tanks and irrigation systems are isolated while some have partly incorporated into major irrigation schemes like Lunugamvehera, Veheragala, and Walawe Left bank Development project. Remote sensing and GIS were used for the extraction of command area, water surface area of the tanks and the cascades from the satellite image IRS LISS 3captured on 2002.02.02. Different kinds of methods such as field visits, GPS survey, Publications of Divisional Secretariat's offices, Site visiting to local sub offices of different government bodies were used for data collection. The research was guided to understand water resources, cascades and their physical environments, socio economic and institutional environment. A requirement was raised to identify what are the functioning and non functioning irrigation schemes in the area when newly rehabilitation projects are being introducing to the area. Thus using GIS technique as the main tool with the help of other software such as MySQL, PHP, and Dream Weaver, a complete MIlS (Minor Irrigation Information System) was created for the area. GIS helps in giving data with the spatial locations of irrigation systems while other soft wares used for creating the interface for the MIlS. The final out put gives information about irrigation schemes as well as important data of each DS division in GN division level with update facilities. The introducing MIlS is very user friendly thus, users without high computer literacy also will be able to access the system. In the next stage complete database will be created covering almost all small scale irrigation systems in Sri Lanka.