Abstract:
Deduru Oya reservoir project is a remarkable achievement in Sri Lanka which was
implemented by the Department of Irrigation. Although government policies are
encouraged to promote socio-economic development and human welfare through the
construction of dams, unexpected environmental and social problems have been arisen.
Therefore, this study aimed to identify environmental and socio-economic impacts of
Deduru Oya multipurpose project. Descriptive research design was applied to collect
primary data using survey method, interviews and observation. Simple random
sampling technique was applied to select the sample and semi structured questionnaires
were provided for 37 respondents in Pothuwewa, Vilgamdematawa, Welpothuwewa
and Thelahera study areas. Primary data has analyzed using descriptive statistics in
SPSS statistical package. The results revealed that both positive and negative
environmental and socio- economic impacts have been emerged with Deduru Oya
project. Income generation, creating new employment opportunities, contribution to
increase the food production, starting the inland fishing activities and women
participation for them are major positive impacts. Results reveals that flood risk, soil
erosion, destroying biological environment, illegal sand mining and discharge waste
water into the reservoir are the major negative environmental impacts. More than 85%
of the respondents stated that illegal sand mining has been adversely influenced for the
sustainable environmental conservation. Loss of farm lands and houses, breakup
communities, poor infrastructure facilities for resettled areas and human-elephant
conflict are negative socio-economic impacts faced by the residents. Therefore,
necessary policy options should be prepared for sustainable reservoir management and
providing the infrastructure facilities for the resettled community.
