Social impact on resettlement of landslide victims at Okandagala village, Hanguranketha
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Date
2008
Authors
Jayaweera, J. P. M. W. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Peradeniya
Abstract
The study was focused on the Social Impact of the Resettlement of Landslide victims at Okandagala Village, Hanguranketha in Nuwara Eliya District. This incident was occurred on the 11th January 2007. As a result of this number of families were internally displaced. Due to this incident the government had to face innumerable problems in settling those people and uplifting their livelihood and social status. The objective of the study is based on identification of the existing pattern, assessment of the existing pattern against the resettlement program and identification of the mitigation measures to reduce the social impact.
About 30 samples and data were obtained by in direct discussions. Except this primary data some secondary data were also referred. To assess the social impacts on resettlement of the internally displacer persons’ structure of family and kinship, unification and cooperation, social stratification, farming system, income source, housing conditions, and infrastructure facilities were measured.
The results express the impact on IDPs of upper age level negatively affects to the resettlement and middle age level IDPs positively thinking for resettlement. The upper age level strongly consider their existing social values and existing living patterns. Therefore they are reluctant to change life styles. However the younger generation is compelled to change their living patterns trough the resettlement without thinking of their social aspects. Both age categories have negatively responses toward new economic activities under the resettlement program. The main cause is that they give up their existing lands and receive only 20 perches.
On the other hand resettling IDPs in to dry zone or changing their existing pattern of land use for sustainable land management system for economic development of the IDPs to reduce Landslide in the area is a solution. To uplift women living condition alternative economical activities have to be introduced. Further counseling programs should be formulated to minimize elders social stress in settlement.
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Keywords
Earth Sciences , Landslides , Hanguranketha