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The Sri
Lanka National Report to the WSSD (2002) identified a number of critical
environmental problems and issues. The following were the chief among them;
- Deforestation caused by
shifting cultivation, timber exploitation, fuel wood collection, encroachment
of agriculture on forests;
- Costal erosion, and resulting
damage to beaches, coastal conservations and communities.
- Soil erosion and loss of
agricultural productivity of the land;
- Pollution of water bodies,
coastal eco systems and beaches caused by the discharge of industrial
pollutants and raw sewage;
- (Protected) sea level rise,
landslides floods and other natural disasters, the victims of which are
predominantly from the poorest segments of society, who are compelled to
take the risk of occupying vulnerable areas;
- Situation of reservoirs built
for irrigation and /or hydro power generation purposes;
- Poor natural resource
management and land use patterns, resulting in the marginalization of
lands, loss of productivity and depletion of non –renewable resources;
- Atmospheric pollution from
vehicle emissions and industries;
- Urban expansion without
concomitant infrastructural growth, resulting in the proliferation of
slums and shanties, and many other urban problems.
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