Waste Management as a measure for Climate Change Impact Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction
Among the various natural disasters caused by the effects of climate change, improper waste disposal can be cited as a major factor in intensifying the impact caused by flood-related disasters on people’s lives. Disposal of plastic, polythene and other non-biodegradable waste into the natural environment without proper management result in blockage of drainage systems and blocking of drainage channels. Due to blockage of rain water flow, flood disaster situations and transportation disruptions due to road inundation can be experienced. In many cases improperly disposed biodegradable waste can get washed away by the rain water and result the water source pollution and all these negative impacts can be experienced in both rural and urban areas at present. As a side effect of these negative impacts of improper waste disposal, spread of various epidemic diseases and disruption of people’s lives as well as crop and property damage is experienced by many people, especially in areas prone to high risk of heavy rains and flash floods.
In this context, under the Climate Change Impact Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project, Western Province Climate Unit conducted a program on waste management for the residents of Mohammadiawatta estate, adjacent to Maragahadeniya Vivekananda Tamil Vidyalaya, Palindanuwara Divisional Secretariat Division on 10.12.2024. The program conducted by Mrs. Neranja Jayasena, Kalutara District Manager and Assistant Director Mrs. R. Shanmugapriya of the Western Province Waste Management Authority and included a session with practical activities on how to manage biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste as well.
One of the main objective of this program is to prevent the accumulation of waste in the Palindanwara Vivekananda Tamil College grounds and steps have also been taken to implement a long-term waste management program in connection with the Mohammadiawatta estate management together with Palindanuwara Pradeshiya Sabha.