Long term solution for flood in Malala Lagoon, Hambantota

Abstract

The lagoon systems play a major role in maintaining the balance of the organisms as well as the physical environment. The lagoon resources were misused due to unavailability of a proper management plan, environment pollution and lagoons converted into lands and polluted due to natural disasters. Therefore, the research was focused to find the vulnerable area and vulnerable communities to the flood; to carry out a scientific study to assess the hydrological, ecological, and biological impacts of the increased inflow into the lagoon; to study how the above problems affect the fishing community who depend on the lagoon for their livelihood , the farmers community who rely on paddy fields of vulnerable area and the other organisms who depend on the lagoon and surrounding area for their livelihoods; to find a long term solution for the flood in Malala and Embilikala lagoons, situated inside the Bundala conservation area of Hambanthota district. Considering the biological environment and the inundation affects the divert water directly to the sea from a canal through the reserved area is the best alternative to be acceptable by both farming and fishing communities and the environment.