Community perception on the urban sprawl towards rural hinterland in Wattala-Mabole UC area in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Urban sprawl is one of the current popular topics around the world. Due to rapid urbanization without adequate planning or management, Sri Lanka experiences problems and challenges similar to many other developing nations. This study aims to investigate the public perception on the urban sprawl towards rural hinterland from economic, environmental, and social perspectives. In this study, 20 in-depth interviews and a questionnaire survey with 120 participants were carried out to investigate community perception of urban sprawl in the WattalaMabole UC area and its surrounding 14 Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions. Following a purposive sampling technique, one person was selected from each of the twenty GN divisions for the in-depth interview. For the questionnaire survey, sampling was done following a 1: 1000 population ratio. Therefore, 120 participants were randomly selected for the questionnaire survey. According to the public perception, the majority (53%) of respondents were not fully aware of the negative effects of urban sprawl, which may increase their vulnerability and precautions towards the impacts of urban sprawl. The majority (63%) lived on a low income and were exposed to urban poverty with the increased value of goods and accommodation. Participants' experience and exposure to the impacts of the urban sprawl varied based on their age, residential period, level of income they earn, and the type of their job. Dwellers’ perceptions were recorded and classified under social, environmental, and economic impact factors. Participants from both urbanized and adjacent regions expressed the belief that the urban sprawl brings economic benefits whilst creating a negative effect on their environment. Elderly participants regretted and missed the old calm rural environment before the urbanization but, the youngsters preferred urbanization since it provides economic benefits. Adjacent areas mostly face environmental effects while the urban areas are affected by social problems. On the whole, the findings of the study suggest that an appropriate policy framework and specific programs can enhance the dwellers' perception regarding the effects of urban sprawl. Proper urban planning could improve the design, acknowledgment and development of more sustainable urban expansion, thereby contributing to a less negative impact on the rural hinterland of developing countries.