Land Fragmentation for building residences and Environmental Degradation in Sri Lanka (with reference to Gampaha District)

Abstract

Many Environmental problems including elimination of tropical forests, desertification, and reduction in biodiversity, are most clearly evident in the Third World. While rapid population growth is often considered an important factor in this environmental degradation, solid empirical evi dence on its role is almost nonexistent. Understanding the effects of population on the environment requires careful consideration of the full range of factors responsible for environmental deterioration and of how they interact with demographic factors. The nature of this relationship is heavily determined by land use patterns and agricultural policies adopted by governments. This paper describes some of the relationships between population growth, land fragmentation for building houses and environmental degradation. Most studies linking population factors and the environment focus on the impact of population growth on resource use. While population size and growth rates are important determinants of resource use, population movements also affect, and are affected by, the natural environment.

This study uses both primary and secondary data. Primary data was col lected from Imbulgoda area in Gampaha district. 100 families were se lected from two housing schemes. Interview method and observation method were used to collected primary data. The objectives of the study are: Identify the reasons for land fragmentation, identify the impact of land fragmentation on environmental degradation and find out the solutions for reducing environmental degradation due to land fragmentation for building residences.

The land is fragmented to very small plots like 12 perch per person. Then there are at least fifteen houses within one acre of land. They have dug wells as water source. So there are 10 to 15 dug wells which reduces underground water level rapidly. They use un-sealed toilet pits and pol lute the underground water very quickly. There is no rain water removing system and numerous social disputes rise among the residents. There is no solid waste management system and they put their waste on the road side and pollute the environment. Due to removal of the upper layer of the soil by land sellers house owners cannot grow any plants. So the govern ment and policy making bodies should take necessary action to control the environmental degradation due to land fragmentation for housing in Sri Lanka.