Restoration of Tsunami affected Landscape and Plant Diversity in Dharmapala Park in Galle

Abstract

Approximately 6 ha. of Dharmapala Park in Galle City has traditionally been maintained as a recreation area for children and adults. Owing to significantly poor horticultural attention and maintenance for many decades and the Tsunami hit, most of the lower level trees, shrubs and landscape designs as well as a few buildings and structures have been damaged. Many large trees seemed dying due to prolonged exposure to salt concentra tions in the ground and due to age, over shading and competition, termite and wood rot damages, poor drainage facilities and dumping of city garbage etc. Sky view of the park did not appear a recreational park but looked overcrowded and not harboring a diverse and fascinating array of flora arranged or managed systematically.

Therefore, rehabilitation of degraded and eroded landscape status of Dharmapala Park was recognized by the local authorities. We attempted to improve the landscape status purely on the basis of adaptability to the inherent soil and land parameters and environmental conditions by choosing compatible vegetation types, strengthening architecture in par with culture and traditions of Southern Sri Lanka and existing architectural models historic to Galle Fort and other structures. Whilst restoring, improving and enhancing biological, eco logical and esthetic values, architectural and landscaping designing was aimed at accommodating requisites for future beneficiaries i.e. demonstration of ecological and biodiversity conservation and urban forestry etc. for educational, leisure and recreational purposes.

Dumping yards were completely removed and the original soil organic matter status of 0.6 – 1.1 % was improved by land filling with soil sources having more than 1.5 % organic matter. Thinning out of branches, removal of old trees, shrubs and plants in unwanted places, tree surgeries and treatments of diseased and damaged tree por tions were completed to establish the proposed landscape designs. Walk ways for jogging and pets, steps, open spaces with playing, and historic exhibition facilities were systematically arranged with improved drainage and erosion control measures while the open theatre area was renovated attractively.

The dominated and over crowded vegetation by Mudilla (Barringtonia asiatica L) and exotic trees and plants of about 40 species including Pinus, Casurina and Cypres etc. with little or no ecological, aesthetic or landscaping significance were changed into a variety of different canopy architectural beauty by introducing more than 120 different species of plant and tree species and turfs to give beauty and attraction for the users with cool and peaceful satisfaction. Introduction of new species was based on assuring different colour i.e. dark and light green, yellow, pink etc., diversity, size, appearance and shade horizontally and vertically during different seasons in the year, protection of the Park from sea breeze using tolerant hedge tree species and easy and less mainte nance of vegetation.

In a sample survey, the visitors expressed full satisfaction of the present developments. We propose therefore to impose strict entry requirements avoiding misuse and a nominal levy in view of sustenance of the Park status and its facilities for the beneficiaries. This would also help attract both local and foreign visitors of any age