An Analysis of Land Use Suitability of A Selected Zone In Wattala Local Area Plan

Abstract

The Development Plan of an area is a main legal document that is prepared for development of that area, integrating Social, Economic, Physical and Environmental aspects with the views of stakeholders in addition to general public and Local Authority. Zoning is one of the tools used to control land use change on plots and it is defined based on existing potentials and possible impacts due to the rapid urbanization with the agglomeration of various economic activities which may take place in the area in future. This study area is confined to Handala Grama Niladhari Division which is identified as “Moderate Residential Zone” in Wattala Development Plan that encompasses Wattala Urban Council area which is still in draft level. Through this development plan, it is expected to create a sustainable development with the prime objective of uplifting the living standards of people living in the area by improving efficient environment for the residing people and preparation of strategies. Aim of this study is to carry out suitability analysis of existing land uses in the selected area, to find out incompatible land uses and why it has taken place in an area within the development plan. Finally, this research analyses to what extent this Development Plan is effective for harnessing existing potentials and how far it can regulate the land use activities. This study reveals that 79% of the area is used for Residential or Commercial activities. 19 % of the area is consisted with water and marshy lands. 12.5% of the area has been neglected as barren or Waste lands. It is highlighted that development plan prepared for such a rapidly developing area is still being at draft level and is hindering the effectiveness of the enforcement of new planning regulation.