GIS based land degradation analysis on coastal area of Ampara District (from Kalmunai to Nintavur DSDs)

Sri Lanka is faced with several aspects of land degradation, many of which are human induced. The country is free of serious natural hazards such as volcanic activity and earthquakes resulting from climatic extremes, but there are impacts of many natural disasters, such as landslides, floods and droughts, the intensity and frequency of which are increasing due to human interventions. Some areas of Sri Lanka are also periodically subject to cyclones that occur due to climatic conditions and geographical locations. Land degradation denotes all natural or anthropogenic processes that diminish or impair productivity of land. This occurs mainly through soil erosion, loss of organic matter and nutrients in the soil; salinization and large scale land degradation in Sri Lanka. Its manifestations today are heavy loss of soil, siltation in the water bodies, reservoirs and coastal waters, unplanned settlements, loss of arable land leading to declining productivity in agricultural lands and intensification of impacts of natural hazards such as flooding and landslides. Land degradation is a major problem in Eastern Coastal Area from Kalmunai to Nintavur DSDs of Ampara District. However, there is a considerable spatial heterogeneity exists within this area in terms of land use, topography, land management and socioeconomic conditions. Therefore, land degradation assessment studies are very important for the sustainable development of the area. Considering the above background, this study was conducted with the objectives of developing a land degradation assessment model using a GIS based approach

Land use changes in Kalmunai Municipal Council (KMC), Sri Lanka

Kalmunai Municipal Council (KMC) is on the eastern coastal fringe in Ampara District, boarding the on the east of Indian Ocean, on the north of the Batticaloa District, on the south of the Karaithivu Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) and Sammanthurai, on the west of Navithanveli DSDs. According to the Resource Profile Report 2007, the total population of KMC is 97,402. It is predominantly a Muslim area because they form 71.93 percent of total population, whereas the Tamils form 27.16 percent and other communities form 0.91 percent of the total population in KMC. The total land area of the KMC is 22.68 square kilometre (sq. km). Geographically; it is located at an elevation of about 9 meters above mean sea level. The KMC consists of 75 Grama Niladhri Divisions (GND). The population density of the KMC is 4,294 sq. km. It is characterized by an agricultural economy from ancient time. The informal sector plays a dominant role; because underemployment and non-paid employment are common. Population growth and modern socio-economic developments have shown heavy impacts on the land use patterns of the area. The object of this study is to examine and asses the changes in the land use patterns from 1981 to 2006. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources and analysed by using statistical software and images were analysed by ERDAS Image software and mapped using ArcGIS. The main land use patterns in KMC are agricultural (for example, paddy coconut, other field crops and horticulture), Ocean and inland fisheries, livestock rearing, trade and business, micro-industries, small and medium industries based on local raw materials. The tsunami of 2004 has adversely affected the economic prospects, land use patterns of the area and the land use structure of the KMC is well-endowed with built-up area, paddy fields, coconut plantations, inland water bodies, wetlands and beaches

Challenges for human health due to climate seasonal change: a research based on Batticaloa district

In a long period of time, the summary of observations collected from a particular spot which are detected in the sky. It is to be noted the position of the sky for a least period of 30 or 35 years are collected and comments are released of a particular place. The climate situation is changed due to human atmosphere and due to these changes there are vast disturbances caused Global wise. Due to these climate changes effects are created. Due to climate seasonal change even human health challenges is caused. It is identified that due to climate effects how the people in the Batticaloa District faced the situations as the research site was created in Batticaloa. Due to climate seasonal change, the people in the research regions it is to be noted how the residents of the area facing health wise problems and identified impacts either directly or indirectly the effects and causes are noted. Advice in the matter of health challenges can be faced and eradicated. This research is made to identify how these challenges are caused to the people who are residing in the Batticaloa Zone, which is the main object of this research. It is to be noted how directly and indirectly these problems are caused. Due to climate seasonal changes what are the causes and effects method and the device motives on this research. Data are collected for the research from the primary and secondary observations. For the primary data observations questionnaires, interview, direct observation and team discussions were taken up in this connection. 100 questionnaires in easy rising transfer specimens were issued. 10 individuals were made used as Key Informants with individual participants 2 Statistic Team took part in the discussion. The secondary data collections reports from District Secretariats , Meteorological Department, Disaster Management Centre and the Regional Director of Health Services, Media, Magazines, Books, Electronic research articles, Regional research 1 inch map, Internet data, information and other information are used in this connection. The data statistics collected by this method, Electro MS Excel is analyzed thereafter charts programmes and through schedule are explained and explained briefly

Demarcation of groundwater potential region using GIS techniques: a case study in Nintavur DSD

An efficient planning of groundwater expansion using modern techniques is essential for the proper consumption and management of this precious but reduction natural resource. With the advent of powerful, professional techniques for water management have advance, of which GIS and RS (Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing) are of great significance. Groundwater resources potential has been evaluated in Nintavur DSD using GIS and RS techniques. With the help of Survey of Sri Lanka top sheets and satellite data, various thematic maps like base map, drainage map, geology map, geomorphology map, slope map, drainage density map, population density map and land use map of the study area have been prepared using Arc GIS software. These thematic maps have been integrated and appropriate weights have been assigned to various factors controlling rate of groundwater. The results show that there are four categories of groundwater potential zones ranging from very good to poor. The categorization of groundwater potential zones is in general agreement with the acquired yield data of the existing dug wells. This depicts the favorable potential zones in the study area for evaluation of groundwater resources. Finally it is concluded that the GIS and RS techniques are very efficient and useful for the demarcation of groundwater potential zones

a special study in selected areas of porativupattu, Batticaloa

The demand for water has gradually increased more than past century because of the trends of global population. Intense agricultural activities, industrial activities and domestic uses are caused to the over consumption of groundwater. Irrigation system is one of the major part for contributing the ground water quantity. The main purpose of the study is finding the relationship between irrigation and groundwater. Through this, the changes of water level, influence of irrigation were examined with appropriate data. Irrigation data from the Irrigation Department have used to analyze the groundwater quantity through the correlation analysis. Images were utilized for this study, published reports and statistical records were employed to collect as secondary data. SPSS, GIS software were used for data analysis. As the result, there are five positive impacts and two negative impacts in the selected areas of Porativupattu. The reason for these two negative impacts is these both places located near to the lagoons area. Hence, these both places were not highly influenced by the irrigation. The recommendations of the study are to educate to change consumption and lifestyles, to recycle wastewater, to improve irrigation and agricultural practices, to control the over chemical usages, to develop the traditional agricultural practices, to make the proper irrigation system, to improve mangrove replantation and conservation, to develop the drainage and water supply, legislation and awareness programs. Therefore, the irrigation system is the most important to keep the ground water level in the study area

Hreats of mangrove flora and the management actions; a case study in Kaluwanchikudy area.

Mangroves are the valuable resource estimated the extent of 8,000 hectares in Sri Lanka, of these, about 1421 hectares occur in Batticaloa District including Kaluwanchikudy area. The dominant mangroves present in this area are Excoecaria agallocha, Sonneratia caseolaris, Acrostichium aureum, Pandanas tectorius, Cerbera odollam, Thespesia populnea and Ceriops tagal. At present, the mangrove stands in Kalawanchikudy area are threatened by anthropogenic activities including mangrove deforestation. The study was carried out at Kaluwanchikudy area to assess the impact of mangrove destruction with a view to propose management activities for the mangroves in this area. This study included the collection of primary and secondary data, the primary data has been collected through questionnaire survey with the stakeholder parties of the mangroves in the area including fishermen and other persons. The secondary data with respect to land use patterns and the extent of mangroves has been collected from maps, internet based surveys and Forest Department. MS Excel and GIS software were used for the study. Based on the study, management actions for the mangroves in Kaluwanchikudy area are proposed, these include declaration of mangrove protected zones, restoration of mangrove denuded areas, launching mangrove re-plantation programs, and holding public awareness programs to stakeholder parties in the area including fishermen community and school children on the importance of mangroves

The political geography of Ampara district of Sri Lanka: a comparative study of pre and post-war scenario

Amparai district is one of the contested districts in the context of political geography in Sri Lanka. There were number of geographic and political motivations behind the creation of Amparai district, dividing the southern parts of the Batticaloa district in 1961. From the inception, the district has been getting popular for in the context of the conduct of territorial politics, land issues, ethnic politics and civil war and displacement. On the history, there were number of examples for consensus on the socio, economic, political and cultural activities among the different ethnic groups rather than considering the above mentioned ground or context However, die intense of ethnic conflict and civil war made different ethnic communities to think and act on ethnically, politically and territorially. Then elements of political geography, land use, resources distribution, political representation, socio-cultural and economic development, borders and local governance, and administration became popular issues in the district They played vital roles in determining the ethnic relations, development of the district in the discourse of civil war and peace process. The war against terrorism and the defeat of the LITE and the regaining of the LITE controlled areas in the Eastern and the Northern provinces paved the ways for normalcy in the everyday life of people and promoting development and prosperity of the country in number of ways. At the same time the war victory, in another way paved the ways for ethno-nationalism and majority consensus on politics. The parties which are undermined and marginalized are the minorities. The post-war scenario posed number of geo-political questions over the minorities where they are living with majority community. Mostly, in the Eastern province, there are number of changes going in the context of political geography. This research would like to pay special attention on pre-war and post war contexts of the political geography of Amparai district and their changing dynamics and impacts in the discourse of post war development and peace building in Sri Lanka. This research is a critical study based on comparative analysis. The information and data gathered from the desk analysis and field survey (interviews, questionnaire survey) have been used for the arguments for and against

The influence of rainfall on ground water quantity and its changes; a study in selected areas of porativupattu ds division in Batticaloa.

Groundwater is an essential natural resource for sustaining domestic life and environment. Rapid development of agriculture, economy and increase of population growth due to the resettlement of past war recovery were caused to the water quantity. Moreover, due to uneven distribution of rainfall in both time and the space, water resources are dwindling. The study is undertaken to identifying the seasonal changes ground water especially the drinking water. Through this, the changes of water level, influence of rainfall were examined with appropriate data. Rainfall data of 146 years from the meteorological department, the formula and 5, 11 years standard deviation of moving average were used to analyze the groundwater quantity. Meteorological department’s repots, images were utilized for this study, published reports and statistical records were employed to collect as secondary data. MS Excel, GIS software were used for data analysis. Seventy domestic wells were randomly selected for the study. The different measurement tools were used to measure the well water level. The water level was measured in equal six times in one year. The results confirm that the positive and higher value of groundwater by the rainfall during Northeast monsoon period. This established with deviation of rainfall and the measured well water level. Thus, keeping the balance of tank water level, surface runoff and groundwater level, the performance of the water level could be stabilized. The development of the new tanks, its irrigation system and drinking water supply also reduce the water shortages in the study area. Temporary water retaining structures should be constructed to facilitate the infiltration. Further, rainfall water should be saved for future use. Controlling the intensive use of water pumps for drainage and making the farmers aware about the water wastage and pollution is also important for the water stability

The impacts of income level on the piped borne water uses: a study based on panadura region

Water is the primary source of natural resources that is wasted by unlimited uses, carelessness and over consumption which caused to the water scarcity and struggle for water supply. Hence, this study attempts to estimate the impact of pipe borne water based on income level. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. The study found that the water uses of 2012 to 2013 indicated the changes of water uses for the families are 80% that was observed for 85% of families in 2014. The income level impacts on the pipe borne water were also measured in this study. Based on the income level, annual average water uses’ unit was increasing who got annual income above 350,000. To effectively address the above issues, reuse the water, rainfall harvesting, giving awareness to the people are very significant