Problems pertaining to Stagnation of Water in paddy Fields in Kelaniya area in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Stagnation of water in paddy fields has become a common phenomenon around the country. Prosperous and economically valid paddy fields of few decades ago are being turned into marshy or barren land. These areas now serve as dumping grounds in many localities in Sri Lanka. This phenomenon is apparent in the Kelaniya area. Garbage of houses and urban centers and wastewater from factories accumulate into these paddy fields. Discarded waste and biomass of the paddy field itself pollute the stagnant water. Polluted water produces bad smell and act as a poisonous acid. Absorbing this water into human body through wound or injuries has caused death to many people in these areas. Because of this, people are unable to use this land than filling. But, major potion of this kind of land is still abandoned. This situation prevails in many parts of the island both in coastal plain as well as other parts of the country. Filling sediments in waterways, blocking channels and sea level rise area recognized as reasons for stagnation of water in lowland paddy fields. The main objective of the present study is to find out the problems and reasons for stagnation water in paddy fields in the area. Data is to be collected employing field surveys and map interpretation techniques. Arc- view software of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Excel software would be used to analyse data and present the findings.