Effect of flood on sustainable development in the semi-urban area A study in Thekkawatta Grama Niladhari Division.

Abstract

Flooding is one of the natural disasters generated by human activities which constitute a threat to human life, property, and the built environment with high impacts. Rapid urbanization and the growth of cities, especially in developing countries like Sri Lanka, have led to the emergence of highly vulnerable semiurban communities, particularly through informal settlements and inadequate land management. Therefore, it is necessary to study how effected the flood for sustainable development. The main objective of this research is, to investigate the impact of flooding on sustainable development. The study is carried out in Thekkawatta GN Division in the Kalutara Divisional Secretariat. The mix method was used for this research. The primary data were collected from 60 persons using a pre-tested questionnaire under the random sampling methods. Apart from that 08 resources persons have been interviewed and field observation was done to clarify the information. The data were analyzed by using qualitative and quantitative methods. According to the analyzed lack of construction of the canal, irregular construction of retaining wall of kalu ganga, the growth of invasive plants, and sand mining was identified as threats for the sustainable development of this area also, blocking the canal system by peoples was an another weakness. Damaging roads, houses, furniture, and the vehicles directly harm for the daily activity of the resident people of this area. As an opportunity to flood the fertility rate of soil has developed and the dumping site has cleared up. Therefore, the research suggests is the take action to control the above problems with establishing the preparedness plan for mitigating the flood in this area.