Sanitary aspects of canal project

The canal network in and around the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is in such a deteriorated condition that it can only be compared to a time bomb about to be exploded. Canal water is so polluted that in most places the canals act as anaerobic ponds. This unhealthy condition is further aggravated by the low income communities living along canal banks. The only ray of hope in this dark world is the Canal Rehabilitation Project, the implementation of which assures a healthier environment for those living in close proximity to canals. This paper deals with the present situation of the canal system with relevance to sanitation and the implementation of the canal project to improve the situation.