A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF COMMUNITY PERCEPTION ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF INDUSTRIAL WATER POLLUTION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KELANI RIVER BASIN

Abstract

Industrial water pollution is a significant environmental problem in Sri Lanka, and the Kelani River is the most polluted river in Sri Lanka. Kelani River is the major source of drinking water in almost 80% of people in Greater Colombo. Since the water pollution brings many negative impacts to the community living in the Kelani River Basin, it is important get their perception on pollution impacts. Therefore, this study aims to identify community perception on environmental and social impacts of industrial water pollution in Kelani River. The research approach is selected as qualitative approach and the case study design has selected as the research design. The data were collected through semi structured interviews and both face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted. The collected data were analyzed by using content analysis method and presented in detailed textual format. The researcher could identify the community perception about the environmental impacts and social impacts of industrial water pollution. The community has a very negative perception about the overall water quality. The respondents believe that the biodiversity has degraded in the river due to industrial activities. The respondents have stated that the water in the river has an unpleasant odor and drinking water sometimes has an unpleasant taste. Therefore, it can be identified that drinking water is badly polluted and required an extensive purifying process. Also, the community has a very negative perception about the effectiveness of the environmental regulations. There are many sources that release untreated effluents directly and illegally to the river. Therefore, the pollution mitigation methods and effective regulations should be applied to protect the river and the community. It can be identified that not only the industrial activities, but also the community’s activities have affected to the river negatively. Therefore, all the parties should be concerned about the pollution prevention and should take actions to mitigate pollution in the Kelani River.