Land use/land cover changes in Addalaichenai DS Division from 1991 to 2011

Abstract

Land use / land cover information is the basic pre-requisite for managing land, water and vegetation resources. The information on land use / land cover available today in the form of thematic maps and published statistical figures in records. Publications are inadequate, inconsistent, and do not provide updated information on the changing land use patterns, process and their spatial distribution. A comprehensive household sample survey, enterprise sample survey, institutional survey and formal interviews were carried out as primary data source. In order to supplement the data gathered in the field, secondary data were gathered such as relevant research reports and articles written on the town and its functions, land issues and official publications and reports issued by the UDA, Land Commissioners Department, Title Settlement Department and the Department of Census and Statistics, publications by relevant authorities. The samples were processed and analyzed using advanced spatial information techniques. Geographic Information System (GIS) has been utilized to generate maps and diagrams and to find suitable areas for the stipulated criteria. The current research focused the main characteristics of the Addalaichenai Divisional Secretariat area and its immediate periphery. However, the area covering the coastal belt will be considered as the potential development areas.

Further the rapid development such as high ways, Oluvil port project, urbanization, re-greening projects, etc., after the disaster (war & tsunami) are the prime elements in the process of Land use / land cover changes in Addalaichenai DS Division. It has grown up to be urban town in the south east region with it slim of its municipality.