Can sand mining be sustainable in Kalu ganga? legal and policy issues and suggestions to be considered

Abstract

Although there is a comprehensive set of laws, regulations, and policies in dealing with sand mining in Sri Lankan rivers, still it is questionable how far these legislations effectively influence the river sand miners and transporters. This study examined legal policies and regulations pertaining to river sand mining in Sri Lanka while, studying the present status of sand mining at Kalutara- Palathota in Kalu Ganga. A purposive sample of 40 individuals was interviewed. Information about detections was gathered from Kalutara South police station. Data were analyzed using SPSS.21.0 statistical package. The Mines and Minerals Act No 33 of 1999 and Coast Conservation Act No.57 of 1981 were two main Acts pertaining to sand mining in Sri Lanka. River sand mining process is regulated by a licensing system issued by Geological Mineral and Mines Bureau. Artisanal sand mining Kalutara- Palathota was done for three days per week under 14 licenses. Sand volume allowed to mine for two boats was 35 cubes per month. Wilcoxon sign rank test revealed that young people did not interested in sand mining and present employee numbers have been reduced. Respondents agreed that river depth has increased due to lowering the river bottom. This was further proven at profiles' comparison of river bottom at present and three decades ago. Negative externalities of sand mining such as declining of well water level, salty taste in water, and splitting walls of houses were found to be statistically significant. In conclusion, concerning the concept of sustainability, findings indicated that sand mining in Kalu Ganga is economically profitable in short-run only for stakeholders. Nevertheless, it has a huge social cost to the society being an environmental unfriendly activity.