Governance Report 2011 - Transparency International Sri Lanka

“Landslides are increasing at an alarming rate. About one-fifth of the country’s
population is now vulnerable to disasters. As floods increase, we notice a
corresponding increase in the occurrence of landslides.There is another
dimension, the human-induced disasters. We strongly feel this aspect needs
to be urgently addressed and regulated in order to minimize risks to life,
human settlements and livelihoods,” explains Mr. Bandara. 19
Mapping by the NBRO led to the identification of 160 landslide-prone
locations in the country. In February 2011, the NBRO classified 10 districts
as ‘highly vulnerable to landslides’ and warned that around four million
people are at risk.
New regulations
“In this context of increasing changes in the natural environment coupled
with impacts of climate change, we have identified key human interventions
that contribute to the increasing vulnerability to landslides -- land fillings,
unauthorized constructions and irregular land use. The 2011 new regulation
seeks to control this aspect to attempt minimizing landslides due to human
intervention. There is also a checklist on landslides issued as part of the
Guidelines for Disaster Risk Reduction for Small Residential Buildings”, adds
Mr. Bandara. 20
However, with the new stipulation springs the twin issues of effective
implementation and service delivery. The new mechanism compulsorily
requires those living in the identified ten districts to obtain special clearance
prior to any construction work. Previously, the construction of a floor area of
80m or less in locations that have not experienced any type of slope failures
was exempted. All Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, Pradeshiya Sabhas
and other project-approving agencies have to ensure NBRO clearance prior
to giving approval to development activity/construction. 21
While the relevant circular seeks to address concerns relating to human safety
and security of human settlements due to construction work in identified
areas, the service recipients have other concerns such as the effectiveness
of the clearance mechanism and options in the absence of alternative land. 22
19 Interview with NBRO head
20. http://www.nbro.gov.lk/web/images/stories/publications/landslidechecklist.pdf
21. Circular No: NBRO 2011/1
22. http://www.nbro.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=182
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