Issues and remedial measures in river sand mining - a case study related to artisanal river sand mining in Mahaweli River in Mahiyangana area, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The demand for river sand for construction purposes has increased significantly in Sri Lanka in recent years, particularly due to the tsunami disaster that occurred in Dece: eer 2004 and post war period . 'U r 2009. This high demand led to a major incre«i:.c in sand mining in many areas. The current demand for sand for building construction within the country is approximately 7- 7.5 million cubic metres per year. Mahaweli river, the longest river in Sri Lanka is acting as major source of river sand supply for construction industry in the country. Certain areas along the river have become dominant sand mining sites in Mahaweli river. Among that river sand mining sites, Mahiayangana area has been very famous for river sand for a long period. In Mahiayangana area, river sand mining is extensively engaged industry and created major income earning source for thousands of rural folks living nearby. This industry has been creating new socio-economic situation in the area as this has been beneficial to many people in the area. This paper discusses present issues related to artisanal river sand mining in Mahaweli river- Mahiayangana area and remedial measures already adopted and proposals to ensure sustainable way of mining to minimize detrimental environmental affects to the ecosystem of river and the river banks.