Socioeconomic Implications of Water Pollution in an Urban Environment A Case Study in Meda Ela Catchment, Kandy, Sri Lanka

High levels of water pollution in Meda Ela, a tributary of the Mahaweli River in Kandy, Sri Lanka, pose significant socioeconomic challenges. The study reveals that unplanned waste disposal and indifference towards environmental practices contribute to severe pollution, leading to health risks, mosquito breeding grounds, and unpleasant odors. Despite 93% of the community having good educational backgrounds, they continue to dispose of solid and liquid wastes into the stream. This pollution not only affects local residents with flash floods and bad odors but also threatens the Mahaweli River, a primary drinking water source for Kandy city. The research recommends implementing a community-based management system to mitigate these impacts and improve water quality in the catchment.

Abeygunawardane, A., Dayawansa, N., & Pathmarajha, S. (2011). Socioeconomic Implications of Water Pollution in an Urban Environment A Case Study in Meda Ela Catchment, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 22(4), 374. https://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v22i4.3788