MONARAGALA DISTRICT
Physical/Environment
Names of Students
V. S. Attanpola
R. H. C. Dabrera
A. A. M. Irfan
A. M. P. D. M. Abeyweera
Luke Bott
Section 1
Data – Found
Areas and topographical features of the region









Areas of region, Provinces and Districts and inland waters
Areas of Divisional Secretary Divisions
Areas of Local Authorities
Topographical features of the region
Water Falls within the region
Rivers, streams, waterways and natural storages of the region
Soil types of the region
Slope
Reservoirs, dams, etc
Land use ownership


Land use by DS divisions (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, mixed use,
public, etc)
Protected areas
Resources


Resources (mineral, construction materials, etc) by DS division, district
Sites of mineral processing and excavation DS division, district, province,
region
Environment




Area of forest DS divisions district, province, region
Area wild life reserves DS divisions district, province, region
Production of timber district , province, region
Forest cover
Data - Not Found
Areas and topographical features of the region





Mean annual and monthly air temperature at observation stations (Last 50
years)
Mean monthly minimum and maximum air temperature at observation stations
(Last 50 years)
Mean annual and monthly rainfall at observation stations (Last 50 years)
Catchment areas, water table
Wind patterns
Land use ownership


Land ownership by DS divisions, districts, public/private
Land values – public/private
Resources

Availability of raw materials by DS division, district
Environment






Transit bird life DS divisions district, province, region
State of sanitation
Storm water drainage system (Manmade and natural)
Sewerage system
Solid waste disposal
Wildlife corridors
Note: Data regarding fauna was available for the whole province itself
Solid Waste & Sewerage data & analysis is covered by the infrastructure
group
Section 2
a. Key information / points relevant to a regional plan
During the data collection phase it was discovered that the Monaragala
District is faced with a multitude of environmental problems. Nevertheless, the
following issues have been listed as the most relevant points in regard to
developing the Uva Province Regional Plan:




Human-wildlife conflict, in particular elephants and monkeys, is
occurring more readily as the demand for land becomes increasingly
competitive and animals are forced to migrate to new areas
Chena cultivation, encroachment of forest reserves, deforestation and
mono-cropping (sugar cane and tobacco) are causing serious soil
erosion and sedimentation of lower regions.
Illicit gem mining activity, most notable in the AGA divisions of Buttala,
Monaragala, Badalkumbura, Medagama and Bibile, is exacerbating
environmental problems. Sedimentation of lower water bodies and
degradation of sensitive areas is increasingly evident.
Survey results showed that 43.10 percent of participants were
dissatisfied with the current conservation / protection measures in
place for the Monaragala District.
b. Opportunities
Observational and theoretical research has allowed the group to identify what
it believes to be as the ‘opportunities’ for the Monaragala District. Minimal
consideration has been given to the environmental impacts each option may
impose on the region, instead the list focuses on what may be possible for the
district in the near future:



The district possesses a diverse collection of fauna and flora which can
be found in any one of its forest or wildlife reserves. If managed
appropriately, this asset has the potential to attract many international
tourists which will help boost the local and national economy.
The agricultural potential of the region is grossly underutilized. The
region possesses rich soils and surplus water resources which could
see its production of rice, sugar cane and vegetables double. If this
were to occur, then more sustainable farming practices would have to
be enforced by the government or local authorities.
Many areas located within the district withhold valuable minerals and
resources. If the government could enforce and monitor appropriate
mining practices it could then have the potential to extract and export
minerals around the world.
c. Ideas and recommendations
When conducting group discussions it was identified in several instances that
water resources, specifically the quality of these resources, did not seem to
be considered as a fundamental part in the natural environment. In several of
the surveys, it was noted that water contamination was considered a
significant problem for many of the areas. However, in spite of this finding no
visible action was witnessed in order to extinguish, or even ameliorate, this
issue. Solid waste was being dumped in random locations; effluent was
directed anywhere providing it was away from the site; and, stormwater drains
and channels where left obstructed, causing a collection of stagnated water.
Based on our empirical findings and group collaboration, it is requested that
more attention be focused on water management for the Uva Region
Provincial Plan.
d. Recommendations for future work/ investigations
The following points have been listed as areas which would ‘ideally’ need
further attention/ investigation prior to developing the regional plan:




Water quality testing of the up-land and lower-land regions. This will
help determine the urgency and necessity of implementing water
management processes
The district houses some unique fauna and flora, however, the details
of these species and the locations they reside is not very detailed
Chena cultivation is causing serious environmental degradation. More
recent and concrete information is required to help mitigate the practice
Recording the migration patterns of wildlife (elephants, birds, etc.). This
will facilitate planning and will encourage sustainable integration of
animals and humans which reside in close proximity.
Environment is…
In general, the environment is considered as the surrounding and here what
basically been covered is the same, mainly Natural Environment and Built
Environment.
Natural Environment in the sense, system which the physical and biological factors
along with their chemical interactions that affect an organism in a natural manner is
considered. Discussion of this environment is carried out in four distinct categories of
Geomorphology, Geology, Hydrology, and Biology.
Built environment is discussed in terms as urban environment. The physical
formation & structural compatibility is discussed in the built environment section.
Environment sector attempts to understand the regime the frame work is fitted in.
Topographical features
The Monaragala district is located within a transitional zone that transforms from the
central highlands to flat lowlands. There are three terrain types identified within the
landscape:



Highly mountainous terrain which covers the western boundary towards
Badulla and Ratnapura districts; the elevation is between 550 to 1400
metres and the underlain parent rocks belong to highland series
Hilly, steep and rolling terrain which is situated between the western
boundary area [above (a)] and undulating and flat terrain [below (c)] within
an elevation range of 160 to 550 metres
Undulating and flat terrain which covers the broad eastern and southern
plain, occupying about three fourths of the district. The elevation is below
160 metres and this terrain is underlain by Vijayan series according to the
geological formation.
Slope/ gradient/ contours
The general gradient of the district is from the northwest and west towards the north,
east and south. Over 60 percent of the district is less than 30 meters. Slopes are
gentle in the north, east and south, increasing in elevation as it moves to the west.
There are isolated pockets of high slopes caused by steep sided mountains,
particularly in the central position of the western hill country
Catchment areas and Drainage (Rivers, streams, waterfalls and reservoirs/ tanks)
There are seven river basins located within the Moneragala District. The rivers
originate in the west central highlands and flow towards the east, southeast and
south. Most of these rivers originate outside the district boundary and strengthen the
volume by several tributaries within the district and then flow outside the district into
the Indian Ocean. These drainage basins are:
Heda oya – covers 59,050 hectares of land which represents 10.4 percent of the
districts land area. This basin has excess water and good soil conditions for
paddy cultivation, however, there are some conflicting land uses
Kubukkan oya – covers 112,930 hectares which equates to 20.4 percent of the
districts land area. This is the second largest river basin in the district and also
has excess water and good soils for paddy cultivation.
Wila oya – covers 24,860 hectares which equates to 4.4 percent of the districts
land area. The basin has excess water and good soils for lowland cultivation.
Menik Ganga – This is the largest river basin within the district. It covers 117,480
hectares of land which is 20.8 percent of the districts land area. The river basin
has excess water and good soils for lowland cultivation.
Kirindi oya – covers 60,500 hectares of land; makes up 10.7 percent of the
districts land area. On the southern boundary of the river Kirindi oya has
subjected to a major diversion scheme with a large reservoir. Several studies
have suggested that there could be water deficiencies that may restrict the
possibility of additional irrigation.
Malala oya; - this is the smallest river basin within the district; it covers 11,400
hectares which equates to 2.0 percent of the districts land area. It has minimal
water excess and is considered moderate for lowland cultivation.
Walawe – covers 64,500 hectares which represents 11.4 percent of the districts
land area. This is the third largest basin in the district. Despite a major reservoir
located in the western boundary, there exists a water deficiency which will limit
future irrigation development.
All of the above river basins have annual flows that fluctuate according to the
volumes produced by seasonal rains and dry spells.
Climate
The dry zone environment of Monaragala is heavily determined by the seasonal
cycles of rain. There are generally two rainy seasons referred to as Maha (main) rain
season and Yala (minor) rain season. The two seasons extend from early October to
late January and from late March to late May respectively. Corresponding to these
rainy seasons are two long and short dry seasons: June to September and February
to March.
Total rainfall in the district ranges from 1328 mm to 1821 mm (50-72 inches)
annually. Over 84 percent of rain is received during the seven rainy months of
October to January and March to May inclusive. There are also minor but significant
regional differences in the amount and distribution of annual rainfall within the Dry
Zone. The Dry Zone is characterized not only by an uneven spread of rain over the
year but also by very high variability in each month’s rainfall from year to year. Table
2.1 shows the mean monthly rainfall of nine stations in or near the district with
coefficient of variation. The coefficient of variation is normally considered the best
measure of rainfall variability.
Table 2.1 illustrates that as the mean monthly rainfall drops so does its reliability. For
any given year the rainfall pattern is erratic and hard to forecast. The areas of high
rainfall (i.e. western water part) benefit from northeast and southwest Monsoonal
rains. Maha season corresponds to northeast monsoon period while Yala falls within
southwest monsoon period. According to the readings of ten meteorological stations
(including Maha Illuppalluma) the mean number of Maha and Yala seasons is 92 and
50 days respectively.
Table 2.1 – Mean monthly rainfall of nine stations in the district
Month
Mean rainfall (mm)
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
125
93
130
210
104
25
36
34
58
208
309
190
1522 (60 in.)
Coefficient of Variation
(%)
86
91
91
68
87
135
141
135
104
52
39
66
22
Mean daily temperatures of the district vary little over the year as the altitude within
the vast low country of the district does not exceed 91 metres (300 ft) above sea
level. The temperature varies from 26 degree Celsius (79 F) in January to 29 C (84
F) in June. Nevertheless, there is a high average diurnal temperature range of 8.9
degrees Celsius (16 F). The mean annual relative humidity in the district varies from
75 (day) to 86 (night) percent. This is according to the closest readings taken by the
Hambantota station in 1990.
Note: No station exists in the Monaragala district to collect rainfall or temperature
data.
Land use
Land use in the Monaragala District consists of a combination of traditional irrigated
and rain-fed agriculture. Plantation crops were originally introduced by Colonial rule,
and more recently by the Sri Lankan Government. The traditional three phase land
use pattern, this being tank (wewa), homestead (Gangoda), and rain-fed Highland
(Chena), changed into more commercial agriculture (tea, rubber, coconut and minor
export crops like coffee and cocoa) the more it moved into the wet zone. Within the
intermediate and dry zone the production of sugar cane was introduced. This
transformed most of the traditional Chena areas and scrub jungles into sugar cane
estates and out-growers plots.
Source: Land Use Division of Monaragala
Paddy covers 10,260 hectares of land to which it cultivates over 71 percent during
the maha season and 20 percent during the yala season.
Total extent of land under permanent crops amounts to 25,910 hectares. This
includes 800 hectares of Tea, 2,190 hectares of Rubber, 4,170 hectares of Coconut,
and minor export crops of coffee (215 ha), cocoa (681), and cashew (847 ha).
Table 2.5 Summary of land uses in Monaragala District
Land Use
National Parks
Grassland and Savannah
Forest Reserves
Non-agricultural
uses
(roads, buildings)
Permanent crops
Paddy
Other food groups (mainly
Chena)
Cultivable
but
not
cultivated
Other
uses
(inc.
wasteland,
abandoned
Chena and recent sugar
cane)
Inland water bodies
Area (hectares)
145,000
141,500
46,100
3,240
Percent
25.6
25
8.1
0.6
25,910
10,260
12,955
4.6
1.8
2.3
5,668
1.0
167,465
29.6
7,902
1.4
Total
566,000
100
Soil condition
Based on topographical and climatic variation in the region, there are two main soil
types identified for the Monaragala District: Reddish Brown Earth (BE) and Red
Yellow Padzolic (YP) soils. The Reddish Brown Earth is found within the Dry and
Semi-dry Intermediate areas whilst the Red Yellow Padzolic soils are found in the
wet and semi-wet intermediate areas. Within these two soil groups eight solid units
are identified (DPA-CIDA study 1982). The characteristics of these soil units are
briefly described in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3 – Major characteristics of different soil units
Soil unit
Reddish
Brown
Low
Humin
Credy
Distribution
/
occurrence
Dry
zone
crest upper
and
aid
slopes
of
undulating to
hilly areas
Abandoned
tank areas,
lower slopes
and
valley
bottoms
Drainage
class
Texture
Liaitat ions
Well
to Slightly 1-1.5a
imperfectl acid to
y
neutral
Moderatel
y fine
Erodability
low
moisture
ranges and
availability
Poorly
Slightly Deep
acid to
alkaline
Moderatel
y fine
Poor
drainage
low
permeabilit
y
and
readiness
to flooding
Slightly
acidic
1-1.5a
Moderatel
y course
>1a
Medium
Poor
drainage
salinity and
alkalinity
Low
moisture
holding
lying Poorly
PH
range
Solidized
Solonetz
Low
areas
Non
Calcic
Brown
Crests
& Well
to Lightly
slopes
of imperfectl to
undulating
y
mediu
Depth
terrain
in
large extents
m acid
capacity
erodability
and
low
fertility
Higher
erodability
Lematur Steep,
e Brown eroded
Loams
slopes
in
intermediate
zone
Alluvial
Adjacent to
soils
river streams
&
flood
plains
Red
Intermediate
Yellow
zone
Podzolic
Well
Neutral <1a
to slight
acid
Moderatel
y fine
Wellto
imperfectl
y
Acid to 1a
alkaline
Heavy
Flooding
hazard
Well
Acidic
Shallo
w
Moderatel
y fine
Mountain Intermediate
Regozols zone
Well
Shallo
w
Medium
Slipping
sliding
erosion
hazard
Slipping
sliding
erosion
hazard
Source- Monaragala District Report
Environmental sensitive areas
Acidic
&
&
Flora and fauna / Wild life
The Monaragala District withholds a diverse range of fauna, including six
endangered and two threatened animal species. The endangered species are the
elephant, leopard, Red face Malkoha, Estuarine Crocodile, Bengal Monitor and
Python. The threatened list includes the Purple Faced languor and the Togue
Macaque (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and National Reserves
and the US Fish and Wildlife Service).
Dependant on their feeding patterns and water requirements elephants are observed
as having seasonal migration patterns. During the dry period elephants tend to
congregate closer to perennial stream, tanks/ reservoirs and riverine forests. During
the wet season they generally disperse and enter highland areas for feeding.
There are also a number of endemic animals located in Monaragala which include
fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammal species. A majority of the 251 resident bird
species found in the country are also found in the district during the winter period. Up
to 75 other bird species migrate to the area from Europe and other northern
countries.
Vegetation/ Forest cover
The district is covered by a considerable extent of natural reserves and forests.
Estimates reveal that approximately one-third of total area in the district is covered
by natural forests under natural parks and/or sanctuaries which are not available for
human development. Moreover, approximately 25 percent of the land is covered by
different types of grassland. The total natural forest area in 1982 was reported to be
160,000 hectares, this equates to 28 percent of the total land area. More than onethird of the land area in the district is under natural forests and protected reserves
(Table 2.4).
The total extent of land under protection in the district exceeds 158,070 hectares
with proposed areas covering an additional 11,900 hectares.
Mainly due to human activities, the natural forest cover has been drastically
diminished; it is estimated that 70 percent of forest has been cleared during the
1950-1980 period. This is comparable to the diminution of the forest on the whole
island which reported 44 percent of forests cover in 1956 to a mere 28 percent in
1980. Activities such as Chena production, logging and informal development have
caused forest reserves to quickly diminish (16,000 ha. / year).
The main concentrations of forest are classed as Tropical, Dry, And Evergreen and
Mixed Forest which has developed as a secondary climax after a long period of
earlier civilization based around irrigated agriculture. Since then, the forest area has
been disturbed by Chena agriculture and in more recent times by large scale illicit
felling. Generally, the natural forest is divided into three vegetation classes: High
forest; Riverine or Gallery Forest and Dry Scrub.
The high forest class presents a distinct stratification with a total of 56 different
species (Hunting 1982) which are relatively unproductive. Of the identified species
10 species form 78 percent of the stands. In order of occurrence these species are
Weera (Drypetes Sepiaria – 23%), Kanumella (Diospyros ovalifolia), Wetland
(Pterospermum cenescens), Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Halmilla (Berrya Cordifolia),
Kuma (Gleniea Umjuga), Burutha (Chloroxylon swietenia), Kaya (Memecylon spp),
Renai (Alseodaphne semecarpiyfolia), Panakka (Plenrostylia opposite) and
Kaluwara (Dispyrous ebenum – only 2%).
Madagama
Name of the Forest
Kohokumburakanda
Alanakanda
Chittapitadeniya
Kinnarabova
Rattadeniya
Polgahapitiya
Pubbarakinagoda
Moragolla
Thimbiriyakanda
Meellagama
Extent (ha)
2,675.00
260.00
350.00
1,000.00
1,200.00
375.00
1,100.00
Bibila
Monaragala
Thungaltota
Kandalanda
Devalayagoda
Seethalakadura
Badiyava Akkara 90
Tharapola
Thittavalkiula
Godigamuva
Aluthvela
Galahabedda
Pallethaona
Kahatiyanvala
Kahagalamada
Girahelakanda
Dorapodakanda
Arangalakanda
Kuruvkothakanda
Pitakumbura
Hamapola
Thotillakatiya
Maldamambe
Puvakkele
Kanavegalla
Ilukapathana
Goonawela
Ussagala
Makulessa
Malwatta
Bulupitiya
Serava
Perana
Karandugala
Uraula
Rathugala
Meeattalawa
Udadaduwa
Nelliyadda
Ratmalgahaella
Bingoda
Kobbeketiya
Iginiyagalakanda
Diggala
Degalaraba
Suduvathuraara
Karapinchagala
Mukalana
Lollehela
Millakele
1,200.00
360.00
2,275.00
1,400.00
400.00
360.00
3,500.00
3,000.00
1,000.00
3,800.00
3,200.00
3,300.00
3,500.00
3,100.00
300.00
1203.00
1791.70
45.00
450.00
150.00
Badalkumbura
Medulla
Bandaravadiya
Aagare
Daragodakele
Maduhelakanda
Wanthibbagoda
Mahagodayaya
Iththekatuwa
Maragala
Silbarakanda
Kudagodakanda
Beralihela
Walmeethalawa
Dunhindayaya
Diggala
Egodakadura
Giragammanakanda
Kahavathukanda
Bulugalakelaya
Walasella
Meegahayaya
Sooriyagasella
Nelligolla
Madugolla
Ginikatukanda
Haiyagolla
Karagaskadura
Millagastanna
Rajagallena
Hapugasroda
Dummalahela
Kahagollathalava
Kobbeva
Thalkota
Galbokka
Wanthibbagoda
Meegaskapalla
Mahabedda
Alpitiyakanda
Kithulahela
Muthukandiya
Koongalla
Kirivalgoda
Lunuthibbahela
Alupathgala
Pitathalawa
Gonathalawa
Galkanda
95.00
280.00
320.05
491.00
175.00
25.00
600.00
3,800.00
288.00
100.00
120.00
1,790.00
86.00
1,050.00
360.00
120.00
650.00
120.00
12.00
35.00
20.00
8.00
80.00
40.00
60.00
105.00
60.00
10.00
10.00
100.00
400.00
1,600.00
1,200.00
150.00
100.00
800.00
200.00
1,200.00
150.00
300.00
150.00
150.00
30.00
500.00
20.00
Buttala
Wallawaya
Thanamalwila
Katharagama
Sevanagala
Siyambalanduwa
Ginipugoda
Namandiya
Rahathankanda
Budugallena
Ulugalaminipura
Maligavila
Poramadilla
Kukurampola
Thumkemhela
Gampanguva
Weerasekaragama
Kuruminigala
Wandinahelakanda
Bogahapathala
Siyambalagunaya
Wandama
Ulkanda
Kurugama
Weherayaya
Kalukanda
Devagirikanda
Seenakkuva
Beralihela
Kumaragama
Mahaweva
Nikaweva
Rathambalawa 1
Rathambalawa 2
Kotawehera mankada
Kahakurullanpalassa
Unakanda
Kandasurindugama
Seenukkuwa
Beralihela
Wadihitikanda
Sella katharagama
Kochchapathana
Elsonkanda
Punchiweva
Guruhela
Haddagoda
Kadurugoda
Hiripitiya
Walahapathana
Namaluva
Degalhela
Maragala
10.00
963.00
381.00
2,614.00
2,000.00
3,500.00
200.00
80.00
1,270.00
274.00
357.00
460.00
782.00
565.00
1,973.00
1,500.00
50.00
2,535.00
295.00
1,456.00
4,376.00
2,635.96
600.00
750.00
650.00
18,583.40
2,917.54
9,227.58
10,046.90
10,948.34
15,524.91
9,102.90
800.000
350.00
800.00
20.00
288.00
180.00
54.00
30.00
288.00
108.00
900.00
576.00
Lollehela
Welihela
Udathalagogoda
Kudagoda
Uragoda
Chiminigalakelaya
Wandahelakelaya
Warahitiyanakelaya
Pahatha aravakelaya
Roonattagalakelaya
Siyambalawakelaya
Weheragodakelaya
Kotiyagala
Goviduhela
Sadakebella
Muthukandiya
Bovalakelaya
Danakiriyakelaya
Namalhelakelaya
Hevenarawakelaya
Meeyagalakelaya
Newgala sugaladevikelaya
Total (ha)
72.00
90.00
40.00
30.00
216.00
6,300.00
3,250.00
2,880.00
3,780.00
7,875.00
5,850.00
2,250.00
4,950.00
936.00
180.00
46.00
126.00
1,674.00
36.00
38.00
36.00
54.00
210,987.00
Table 2.4 – Protected Reserves in Monaragala District
National
Parks
and
Reserves
Yala National Park
Galoya
Sellaka Oya Sanctuary
Ampara Sanctuary
Uda Walawe National
Park
Lunugamvehera National
Park
Wildlife Corridors
Lunugamvehera – Uda
Walawe
Sellaka Oya
Yala-Lahugala
Bakinigahawela
Forest
Res.
Daragoda Forest Reserve
Namakandiya Forest Res.
Wedihitikandra
Forest
Res.
Size within the District Status
(ha)
69,420
Existing
30,210
Existing
12,630
Existing
4,000
Existing
18,800
Existing
20,500
Existing
4,650
Existing
5,000
2,250
220
Existing
Existing
Existing
470
430
760
Existing
Existing
Existing
Bibilehela Forest Res.
Archeological Reserves
Buduruwagala,
Wellawaya
Habassa
Maligawila, Okkampitiya
Dambegoda,
Okkampitiya
Galebadde
Pasohimaramaya,
Hambegamuwa
Budugalage
690
Existing
n/a
Existing
n/a
n/a
n/a
Existing
Existing
Existing
n/a
n/a
Existing
Existing
n/a
Existing
Timber plantations
Forest Plantation in Monaragala District (only production plantation - ha)
Teak
Acacia Auriculiformis
Pinus Caribaea
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis
Swietenia Macrophylla (Mahogany)
Azadirachta Indica (Magosa)
Albizzia Molucanna (Albizia)
Eucalyptus Grandis
Mixed Hardwood
Total
3580.61
85.50
2.40
609.70
42.00
312.40
17.00
141.30
73.50
4862.01
Mineral resources
Minerals are valuable natural resources and are finite and non-renewable. They
constitute the vital raw materials for many basic industries and are a major resource
for development. Monaragala district is rich with several types of mineral deposits.
These include feldspar, gold, graphite, magnasite, mica, vein quartz, quarts and
gem.
Monaragala has granite deposits in substantial amounts, suitable for processing into
cut and polished stones. The color, grain structure, hardness and strength of granite
is suitable for the international market. Dimension Stones, Polished Granite Slabs
and Tiles, Rough Granite Block,
Tomb Stones, Wall Cladding,
Monuments and Rock Ornaments
are the main products which have
high market from the countries like Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, UK, Thailand
and Belgium.
Environmental issues / problems
The major environmental problems for the Monaragala District are soil erosion,
Chena cultivation, encroachment of forest and water resources, deforestation, monocropping of sugar cane and tobacco and gem mining. As a result of the dominancy
these cultivations, land demand has increased, & encroachment on reserves has
leveled up its severity. Wild life conflicts is been occurred as a process of these
actions.
Soil erosion
Soil erosion has been identified as a very widespread and acute problem affecting
the district. In the mountainous region of the north-western part of the district, mass
movement, gully and rill erosion have occurred causing serious degradation. In
addition, clearing of land and burning of vegetation before monsoonal rains have
caused further erosion. It is estimated that 5-20 tonnes of soil per hectare of land is
being transported by water movement annually. This is causing sedimentation of
water bodies (tanks, rivers, canals) which is leading to increased flooding in some
low-lying areas.
Chena cultivation
Chena cultivation is damaging the natural environment as a result of the farmers
illegally cultivating the land and having a lack of understanding in sustainable
practices. It is a major factor in soil erosion and deforestation for the district. The
practice is reportedly becoming more widespread and harmful to the environment as
the traditional nature of Chena disappears. With the increased pressure on land the
long fallow (crop-free) has become non-existent, being shortened from 15 years to 25 years. This has resulted in Chena cultivation to be no longer an appropriate system
for production.
The people who practice Chena cultivation have been described as the poorest
section of the community. They are ‘typically those of population pressure
constraining a viable form of Chena cultivation, increasing costs of inputs and
constraining market conditions for their output (poor terms of trade), weak supportive
services, poor quality of inputs, indebtedness, lack of employment opportunities and
poor social services. All of these factors increase economic and financial burdens on
the poor household, inducing them to encroach on marginal lands and catchment
areas, exploit timber and other resources for added income, intensify cultivation
without conservation and adequate nutrient replacement, and engaged in other
potentially environmentally hazardous practices’ (MODES: 28-29).
Encroachment of reserves
Forest and water reserves are continually threatened by Chena cultivators and
informal development as a result of a growing population in the district. Many of the
river and canal reserves, including the forest reserves have been encroached and
cultivated by either Chena crops or cash crops such as sugar cane and tobacco.
This is also occurring in the western and central (hilly) areas where there are steep
slopes and hill tops.
Deforestation
The next most widespread environmental problem affecting Monaragala District is
the deforestation of the land. Chena cultivation, logging and continued
encroachments have accelerated soil erosion, resulting in the loss of valuable,
nutrient-rich topsoil. The continuous occurrence of soil erosion causes further
reduction in natural vegetation as the denuded surface is not capable of regenerating
the original forest cover, thus resulting in weed invasion or stripped soil.
Deforestation can also cause earth slips, drying up of water bodies and siltation of
lower regions. Moreover, deforestation can cause a reduction in soil moisture which
will in the long run create negative changes to the micro-climatic conditions.
It is estimated that since 1956 that the natural forest in the entire Lower Uva
Province has been shrinking at an average rate of 16,000 hectares per year. This
has been mainly due to Chena cultivation, logging, and development projects.
Majority of this amount (approximately 10,000 ha. per year) is supposed to be
applicable to the Monaragala District.
Mono-Cropping
Mono-cropping, dominated by sugar cane and tobacco production, is causing a
chain of environmental problems for the Monaragala District. No Environmental
Impact Assessments were conducted for several major proposals despite the
potential impact the activities can have on the environment. Many operations have
caused adverse impacts for the region; one serious impact has been the forceful
exclusion of wildlife from the cleared areas. This has in turn had an effect on the
surrounding areas as wildlife are forced to interact with human habitats. Waste
treatment and disposal is a second issue associated with the plants and processing
sites.
Tobacco production is also causing a serious impact on not only the natural
environment but also on the cultivated areas. Many farmers have chosen to abandon
the traditional food crops in favor of tobacco cultivation. Further soil erosion and
sedimentation of water courses has resulted in the conversion of cultivable land,
including hill slopes and mountain tops.
Mono-cropping is widespread in the AGA divisions of Thanamalwila, Wellawaya,
Buttala, Monaragala and Siyambalanduwa. This large-scale form of land use is
creating further deforestation, soil erosion and fauna displacement.
Gem mining
Gem mining issues are prevalent in the AGA divisions of Battula, Monaragala,
Badalkumbura, Medagama and Bibile. Both licensed and unlicensed activity has
occured in the upper reaches of the river basins of Kubukkan oya and Menik ganga.
The number of unlicensed miners in the district is very high, resulting in further
environmental damage. Measures such as the prohibition of explosives and removal
of forest, and the compulsory filling of pits have failed to ameliorate environmental
problems. Clearing of forests and water contamination continue to occur in the
region, leading to issues of water borne diseases and health problems. Illicit gem
mining has caused deforestation (mainly in Okkampitiya and Bibile), earthslips
(Badalkubura), damage to river basins and reservations (Battula and Okkampitiya),
and damage to paddy fields (Medagama and Bibile).
Mining activity has caused river and canal banks to erode and collapse which has
caused sedimentation downstream. The most severely affected area is Okkamptiya
where more than 25,000 persons are reported to be involved in gemming operations.
These activities, especially when located closely to water courses, can cause longterm environmental damage to the Moneragala District.
Environmental sanitation
Many of the serious health problems evident in the Monaragala district are derived
from poor environmental conditions. Bowel disease, in particular, is caused by the
inadequate quality of drinking water and the lack of sanitation facilities. Nearly twothirds of the population has no hygienic facilities for the disposal of human waste and
only 11 percent have access to safe drinking water.
Analysis of data
Analysis of data been done in order to understand the opportunities & constrains of
the region in environmental terms. Also the future situation & impacts of certain
changes to be occurred are projected along with the influence the region might have
on its environment with the mega projects implemented in the adjoining regions &
National Physical Plan.
Finally the section brings out the observed highlighted points of the region in terms of
environment. All the analysis is been compared with its brother district; Badulla.
Topography of the District
Monaragala district as a general is the complete contrast of its neighboring district of
the province, Badulla, in terms of the topography. Other than for few patches of high
altitudes, overall the terrain is flat. Unlike Badulla, which is vulnerable to landslide in
many locations, other than for few threats in places like Badalkubura, landslide is not
a significant threat. Terrain is suitable for the structural development.
According to the National Bureau of Research Organization (NBRO), sloes lesser
than of 60 degrees are either could be structurally developed with guidelines or
supervision. More than the 90% of the terrain is less than 60 degrees.
Even though the terrain is fairly flat compared to brother district; Badulla, Monaragala
itself too is in rich with mountains compared to the other regions of Sri Lanka.
Mountains in the perception of structural development is a constrain, but it can be
viewed as a magnet where tourists can be attracted to. Also as a tourist destination,
Monaragala might not stand out among the other regions such as Eastern & Central,
yet, as a region where as a stopover destination of land travelers. In such situation,
mountains can be viewed as a potential fro the district. This can be further reviewed
in terms of the developable land availability within the vicinity of mountains which can
utilize the scenic
beauty created by
mountains.
Mountains
Developable
Land
Climate, Soil Condition analysis
In Moneragala district mean annual rainfall spreadout mostly 750-2500 mm. some
specific part of the moneragala mean annual rainfall is 2501-3000 mm. this rainfall
patern is very useful for to the cultivation in Moneragala district. Moneragala district
is mainly made up of rubber, cocoa and sugar cane plantations and paddy lands.
For Rubber plantation the requirement is generally well drained weathered soil
consisting of laterite, lateritic types, sedimentary types, and nonlateritic red or alluvial
soils. The climatic conditions for optimum growth of Rubber trees consist of a
Rainfall of around 250 cm evenly distributed without any marked dry season and with
at least 100 rainy days per annum temperature range of about 20˚c to 34˚c with a
monthly mean of 25˚c to 28˚c(c). High atmospheric humidity of around 80% bright
sunshine amounting to about 2000 hours per annum at the rate of 6 hours per day
throughout the year and absence of strong winds.
Cocoa plants respond well to relatively high temperatures with a maximum annual
average of 30-32 degrees minimum average of 18-21 degrees. Variations in the yield
of cocoa trees from year to year are affected more by rainfall than by any other
climatic factor. Trees are very sensitive to a soil water deficiency. Rainfall should be
plentiful and well distributed through the year. An annual rainfall level of between
1,500mm and 2,000mm is generally preferred. Dry spells where rainfall is less than
100mm per month should not exceed three months. A hot and humid atmosphere is
essential for the optimum development of cocoa trees. In cocoa producing countries
relative humidity is generally high, often as much as 100% during the day, falling to
70-80% during the night. The cocoa tree will make optimum use of any light available
and has been traditionally grown under shade. Cocoa is grown in a wide variety of
soil types.
Suitable Area
District is not only cultivated in rain water, but with the rich irrigational system
available. Having got the natural requirements of soil & climate suitable for the
crops, potential lies within the district to develop the agricultural sector.
Land use change with time
In 1956 the district was more less a forest region than anything else as the landuse
map depicts. Other than for few patches here & there of home garden, & few of the
minor crops such as Coco bean, Chena, the region dominated as a forest with little
of agriculture. Spread out rivers throughout the district helped the little agriculture
which was there.
In the space of three decades, the region has transformed itself from dense forest
regime to a multi crop cultivated region. Observing the two landuse maps of 1998 &
2008 the trend of forest areas been cleared & used for different cultivations &
residential purposes is witnessed. Another special observation is that the clearance
rate been accelerated as the home gardens been increased.
Home garden dominancy has been started in the middle part of the region & been
spread over with the time. South-East forest cover has been remained unharmed
since with its attachments to the Yala sanctuary.
During the time the population too has been increased rapidly due to the
development of infrastructure services & adjoining regions influence. All these has
accounted to the changed landuse pattern of Monaragala district.
Significant landuse changes
Chena cultivation & other crop cultivations has been increasing in the region & as a
result, the forest cover been victimized of degradation & the frequent occurrence has
resulted & has been giving symptoms in different ways. One of the acute issues
which have been aroused due to this forest clearance is the encroachment to the
wildlife habitats. The issue has been severely affected to elephants’ life pattern as
the conflict between humans have resulted even life damages to the both parties.
Severity is been increasing with the time & different adaptations & tactics been used
by humans to minimize the effect of elephants to their lives. In 2007, 197 elephant
lives & 50 human lives were lost in the cause of this conflict. The number has
increased from the previous year of 2006, from 171 of elephants & 32 of humans.
Source- Wildlife & Conservation Department-Statistics
Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources has claimed that the responsibility lies
within the human as they have intervene the habitats of elephants & in the process
of finding food & shelter, confusion between two parties have occurred. The conflict
been getting acute as the days go by with population growth resulting high demand
for the land which people are been encroached to the habitats of elephants.
Population Growth & Sector Development Effect on Forest reserves
As it is projected, the population is expected to be increased with a certain degree of
acceleration & acceleration will most probably take a bigger leap than projected with
the infrastructure development. In a situation such as that, the pressure on the forest
cover & other sites with environmental sensitivity will be increased. One of the
measures that government have taken regarding these matters in previous occasion
s in different regions are the introduction of guidelines in development of industries,
through authorities such as Central Environment Authority (CEA), Wildlife
Conservation Department, Forest Department etc. certain legislative powers been
delegated to those authorities & ministry of Environment & Resources is major
governing body.
One of the major affects of the population growth is the land encroachment with the
high demand created for land for development. Improperly supervised clearance of
forest has lead to as discussed not only conflicts with wild animals with their territory
been approached, but also of haphazard development which has obstructed the city
enhancement has caused lesser attraction. Land encroachment has been identified
as one of the major environmental issues of the region & been the activities not
supervised & done properly in an environmental friendly manner, has put the future
of the district in dark.
Potential of Mineral resources
Over the decades a misconception has developed that environmental activism is
against development, but the reality is that it opens up the eyes of the decision
makers for the sustainable use of our mineral resources. Serious attempts have
been made to add value to our minerals.
There is a project proposal for Mahagama vein quartz witch locate in the east of
Embilipitiya in Monaragala district. And it is about the 270 km from the main
commercial centre and port of Colombo and 153 km from the port of Galle. The
government has decided to explore the prospect of commercial exploitation of the
vein quarts for manufacture high-tech products such as fused silica, poly silicones for
semiconductors, solar cells and micro chips etc. due to its high purity.
Monaragala has granite deposits in substantial amounts, suitable for processing into
cut and polished stones. The color, grain structure, hardness and strength of granite
is suitable for the international market. Dimension Stones, Polished Granite Slabs
and Tiles, Rough Granite Block, Tomb Stones, Wall Cladding, Monuments and Rock
Ornaments are the main products which have high market from the countries like
Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, UK, Thailand and Belgium.
Most of the value added industries of these mineral resources eyes on the
international market than the local market. The ongoing project of Hambanthota Sea
port & air port are great opportunities for the district to utilize to expand these
industries. The industries will create more employment opportunities & within this the
technology will be improved in the region. The education system is to be take its
revolution in this region with all these & during the survey, employment opportunity
development & educational system development were given higher priorities.
Transformation of the raw mineral to valuable product will be drag along the
satisfaction level of people of the region to a higher level.
Urban environment
Spatial formation of the first order towns
BUTTALA IS A MONOCENTRIC FORM TOWN
BIBILE IS A LINEAR FORM TOWN
MON ARAGALA IS A MONO-CENTRIC FORM TOWN
BADALKUMBURA IS A LINEAR FORM TOWN
Urban Environment & Natural Environment compatibility
One of the significant factors of the region which seems to be carrying uniformity
throughout with brother district Badulla is the, incompatibility with natural green &
topography. Most of the structures do not appeal the compatibility of two distinct
environments in their appearance. Most of the towns are surrounded by a ring of
mountains & the background is enriched with appealing green yet, unfortunately the
manmade structures are complete contrast. Unsupervised development has also
indirectly supported the encroachment as, optimum use of land been not done. With
generational evolutions, with different communities been evolving, the encroachment
is taking place in an alarming rate. Having no proper legislative frame work to
prohibit these & political force been behind the actions has dragged the issue from
worse to worst. One of the major reasons for the blankness between compatibility
with two distinct environments has been a result of the administrative issues.
National and intra-regional comparisons
The following section gives an overview of environmental issues, listed within the
National Physical Plan and the Sabaragamuwa Region Physical Plan, which may
provide some insight or assistance in planning the Monaragala district.
The National Physical Planning Policy and Plan (NPPP and NPP) clearly identifies a
number of issues having a negative impact on the natural environment of Sri Lanka.
These include:







Soil erosion
Loss of areas that contain natural beauty / amenity
Landslides
Reduced water quality and supply
Loss of rare ecosystems, species and biodiversity that is unique to Sri Lanka
Sedimentation of reservoirs due to deforestation, development and
agricultural production in the catchment area; and,
A history of no clear policy direction or implementation to protect sensitive
areas.
The above issues are also evident in areas throughout the Moneragala district.
The National Physical Planning Policy and Plan identifies two key elements in
respect to protecting the environment of Sri Lanka. This includes protecting fragile
areas and encouraging alternative uses, and reducing vulnerability to natural
disasters. To achieve this three important ‘objectives’ have been proposed within the
document. These are as follows:

Objective 1 seeks to protect the environment through limiting development in
fragile areas, the Protected Area Network and areas of local and regional
environmental significance. Protecting the environment, improving the water
supply and economic value of the Central Fragile Area, and protecting and
retaining land with environmental values are the main principles in which it
aims to meet this objective.

Objective 2 seeks to ensure that the people of Sri Lanka live in areas that are
safe from natural disasters and the effects of global warming including rising
sea level. This seeks to develop a settlement pattern that reduces the number
of people living in vulnerable areas; to ensure that urban development is
located in areas free from flooding and inundation; and, to ensure that urban
development is located in areas that are not prone to landslides.

Objective 5 seeks to protect water catchments, water resources and tanks to
improve water quality and ensure sufficient supply of water for domestic,
agricultural, industrial activities and power generation. Its principles include: to
protect water supply catchments; ensure that there is sufficient water supply
for agricultural, domestic, industrial and power generation uses; and,
efficiently manage storm water drainage.
The abovementioned objectives are considered to be important strategies for
protecting the environment on a national scale. If the Moneragala district wishes to
protect its environmental assets then it is vital that it adopts a similar agenda as that
identified by the National Physical Plan.
The purpose of the Sabaragamuwa Region Physical Plan (SRPP) is to provide a
strategic framework which promotes the development of the province up until the
year 2030. The district is generally characterized by a similar topography to that of
Monaragala: it accommodates mountains, valleys and undulating land in the north,
and flat, lowlands which can be found in the south and south-east. The land is also
affected by similar environmental weaknesses to that of Moneragala. The chief
issues include natural disasters (landslides, floods and droughts), the destruction of
the natural environment through human activities, and pollution. The following is a
list of the issues currently witnessed in the district:










Deforestation
Forest fires
Sand mining and gem mining in rivers
Water pollution; fecal contamination is increasing as a result of poor sanitary
facilities and inadequate storm water drainage systems
Development in inappropriate locations
Poor solid waste management/ disposal
Loss of biodiversity as a result of vegetation removal
Natural hazards: landslides, erosion and flooding
Mining hazards from substandard practices
Threats to archaeological reserves, historical sites and places of natural
amenity.
The Moneragala district is currently faced with a range of environmental issues.
Nevertheless, the above information has revealed that the district is not in a unique
position because of this. Adjoining regions, if not the entire nation, is faced with
similar problems of deforestation, water mismanagement and informal cultivation
practices. It is imperative that policy development, and subsequent implementation,
takes into account adjoining regions that face similar environmental issues. In doing
so, planning for environmental conservation and protection will become a
comprehensive process rather than sporadic and incremental practice.
Field observations
During the survey stage the following field observations were recorded and
photographed:
The above photo was taken on the outskirts of the Moneragala Township. It depicts
a reservoir/ tank being accessed by a water tanker. The tanker was not marked to
which its use for the water is not fully known.
Cleared area of forest that now accommodates rice/ paddy fields – Moneragala
Township
The integration of the natural environment with the artificial environment is not
always so balanced.
Watercourses are slowly being consumed by development and polluted with waste.
Other than for few observed physical factors, during survey, things learnt about the
region were the depletion of services to the interior of the region & preservation of
the environment along with it. Air quality was at a considerably higher level of
satisfactory with the region not been tainted with any of the polluting industries or
monstrous lines of vehicles.
References
Central Environment Authority (n.d.) Monaragala Environment Report
Department of Town and Country Planning
Forest Department
Land Use Division of Monaragala [online].
Physical Plan for Sabaragamuwa Region, National Physical Planning Department,
July 2006.
Physical Plan for Southern Region, National Physical Planning Department, January
2005
Nation Physical Planning Policy and Plan: Sri Lanka 2006-2030, final draft, National
Physical Planning Department, May 2005
Wildlife and Conservation Department