Introducing systematic land use planning in the upper watershed areas for the sustainable development of land resource

Abstract

The need for maintaining the land uses of the upper watersheds for the sustainable developments of entire river basis has been recognized and action towards this has been taken by several countries. The attention paid towards the proper maintenance of such watershed in Sri Lanka in the past does not appear to be sufficient. There are several statutory divisions administered by several government institutions dealing with the conservation and development of the areas covered by the upper watersheds as well as the downstream areas the downstream areas. However there dose' nt appear to be sufficient appreciation of the need for coordination of this activity. As a result of the developments have occurred in areas which are not suitable for such developments, resulting in retarding development of the entire river basins taken as a whole. This affects economy of the country. This study is aimed at assessing the problem due to the present land use condi tion in the upper watershed and formulating principles for the preparation of land use plans for such upper watersheds which would benefits the developments of all land resources irl~ubH river basins. A study area ha~ been selected for an indepth study 'of the current problems and formulation of proposals to remedy any deficiencies. The principles of such proposals thus