Implementation of Soil Conservation Policies and Enactments in the Upper Mahaweli Catchment,Sri Lanka-A review.

Abstract

Abstract: The Accelerated Mahaweli Development Project is the largest multi-purpose river basin development project ever implemented in Sri Lanka. The Upper Mahaweli Catchment Area (UMCA) covers 3118km2 of the mid and up country of Sri Lanka and feeds four reservoirs to generate over 54% of the country’s power requirement and irrigate about 300,000 ha of agricultural land. Soil erosion and siltation in the water bodies are the major causes leading to the degradation of land and water resources in the UMCA. Hence, this study was attempted to analyze whether the present and proposed land management policies are strong enough to address the existing issues in the UMCA. It was found that soil erosion and consequent degradation of land and water resources are mainly attributed to the limitations in the existing institutional set-up, regulatory framework, property right system and poverty. Hence, the enforcement land management policies with strong political will is urgently needed to ensure the protection of land and water resources, not only in the UMCA, but all over the country. Key words: Soil erosion, Land enactments, Soil conservation, Upper Mahaweli Catchment