Abstract:
Change in society is an indicator of urban growth. At the same time an appropriate
planning process is a prerequisite for a balance urban growth. However with urbanization
pressure the current urban planning practices have shown that they are insufficient to
accomplish the urban growth together with environmental stability. As a result, the
deterioration rates of environment in the cities have rapidly increased during the past
years. This situation is highlighted by the problems of flood, draughts, water pollution, air
pollution etc. To prevent such negative effects on the environment, several planning
methodologies have been adopted by conventional planning process. However, depletion
of natural resources is continuing. And today it has become a challenge for the urban
planners. In order to find out possible solution, the research has attempted to examine the
reasons for the failure and to overcome such issues to achieve a sustainable urban
development.
In this task of understanding the main characteristics of conventional planning process
study has been undertaken through analysis of different planning practices with case
studies. Problem of ecological degradation which has brought several negative impacts to
the urban development, has prompted some countries to re-think its traditional viewpoint
of urban planning towards a more sustainable one.
As a remedial measure for sustainable development, the research has proposed ecosensitive
planning application in the current urban planning process. The study has shown
that an eco-sensitive planning approach has the ability to deal with the complexities in the
urban environment. To obtain a proper understanding on the complexities of city
environment, case study has special reference given for wetland eco system in urban
setting. Case study area mainly centers around the most densely populated and
ecologically important urban area. Analysis has illustrated characteristics and interaction
between urban development and wetland eco-system found in Kotte Urban Area. For this
analysis, the principles of ecology become a main theme for the study. The outcome of
the research exemplify requirement of holistic approach to the profession of urban
planning.
