Environmental Challenges in Sri Lanka

What Is the Environmental Problem :

The environmental problem refers to a state in which the order and law of the ecosystem are collapsed as the ecological function it originally had is destroyed due to the influence of human activities. These environmental problems arise from conflicts between nature and humans.

Introduction:

Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. However, like many countries around the world, Sri Lanka faces significant environmental challenges that threaten its natural resources, ecosystems, and the well-being of its people. This article sheds light on some of the key environmental problems in Sri Lanka and emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to safeguard the country's ecological balance..

Water Pollution and Depletion:

Sri Lanka's water resources are under considerable strain due to pollution and depletion. Industrial waste, improper waste disposal, and agricultural runoff contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. This not only endangers aquatic ecosystems but also threatens the availability of clean water for drinking, agriculture, and other essential purposes. Water scarcity is a growing concern, particularly during periods of drought, affecting both rural and urban communities..

Air Pollution and Climate Change:

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increased vehicular emissions have contributed to rising air pollution levels in Sri Lanka's major cities. High particulate matter concentrations and pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pose significant health risks to the population. Moreover, Sri Lanka is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and changing rainfall patterns, which can have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, coastal communities, and overall economic stability.

Waste Polution:

Improper waste management is a significant environmental challenge in Sri Lanka. Inadequate infrastructure for waste collection, recycling, and disposal leads to the accumulation of waste in landfills, rivers, and other open spaces. Plastic pollution, in particular, has emerged as a critical issue, with plastic waste polluting water bodies and threatening marine life. Effective waste management strategies, including recycling initiatives and public awareness campaigns, are crucial to mitigate this problem.

wild Sri Lankan elephants have begun eating plastic rubbish dumped near habitat:

Dozens of elephants have begun foraging for food at a dump nestled in a Sri Lankan jungle after it encroached on their habitat.Photographs captured in the eastern Ampara district show the wild herd, which numbers almost 40, searching through mounds of plastic bags, which have since been discovered undigested in their excrement.Microplastics and non-digestive polythene were also found in the elephants’ stomachs during postmortem examinations. Such waste poses a serious threat to the health of the herd.It is thought the elephants gained access to the dump through a broken fence, although according to photographer Tharmapalan Tilaxan the garbage is now strewn through the surrounding forest.

He described the phenomenon as a “destructive and unhealthy habit” and warned that no action had been taken to prevent the elephants entering the area in search of food. Postmortems have shown the elephants have plastic products in their stomachsPostmortems have shown the elephants have plastic products in their stomachsThe herd of elephants are now so accustomed to feeding in the area that they have begun crossing into neighbouring villages and paddy fields, adding to existing tensions between them and the locals. for elephants, ingesting plastic can have devastating consequences. 

Microplastics can block digestive tracts, alter feeding behaviour and diminish the urge to eat. Each of these factors can impact on the herd’s ability to reproduce and damage population numbers.With their stomachs stuffed with plastic bags, herds often die of starvation. The herd, which numbers just under 40, has turned to rooting through the rubbish dumpThe herd, which numbers just under 40, has turned to rooting through the rubbish dumpIn 2019, Sri Lanka saw the highest number of elephant deaths since records began in 1948, according to environmental activists. 

Around 361 died in Sri Lanka that year, with 85 per cent of these deaths caused by human activity, the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform said. It is thought the country has a wild elephant population of around 7,500. Sri Lanka is ranked as the world’s fifth largest producer of plastic waste, with more than 50m kilograms of plastic wasted per day. 

Coastal Erosion and Marine Degradation:

Sri Lanka's coastal areas are vulnerable to erosion and degradation due to factors such as unchecked coastal development, sand mining, and coral reef damage. Coastal erosion not only impacts the natural beauty of the beaches but also poses a threat to coastal communities, tourism, and fisheries. Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, implementing sustainable coastal development practices, and raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation are essential to address this issue.

Deforestation and Habitat Loss:

One of the most pressing environmental issues in Sri Lanka is deforestation and habitat loss. Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and irresponsible land-use practices have resulted in the destruction of vital forest cover and wildlife habitats. This loss of habitat has serious implications for the country's unique biodiversity, including endangered species such as the Sri Lankan elephant and leopard.

Conclusion:

Addressing the environmental problems in Sri Lanka requires concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and individuals. Sustainable land-use practices, reforestation initiatives, improved waste management systems, and the promotion of renewable energy sources are some of the key solutions. It is crucial to prioritize environmental conservation, raise public awareness, and foster a culture of sustainability to ensure a greener and more resilient future for Sri Lanka. By taking proactive measures today, Sri Lanka can safeguard its natural heritage for future generations and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

 

The environmental problem refers to a state in which the order and law of the ecosystem are collapsed as the ecological function it originally had is destroyed due to the influence of human activities. These environmental problems arise from conflicts between nature and humans....