Jogging Track Projects: Hidden opportunities

Typical view of stream banks that need to be protected (Photo taken in 2012 before it was transformed to a jogging track project)

In 2012, the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA) implemented the jogging track projects, in the Gampaha District. Funds were provided by the Ministry of Economic Development. Though only the recreation aspects were highlighted in those projects, it should be perceived as an effort addressing environmental issues, such as protection of natural streams, as expected, under the ‘Surakimu Ganga’ programme. Transforming stream banks to recreational areas exposed the river banks to the public. As those hidden areas got exposed to the local communities, they naturally become watchdogs against culprits who pollute streams. This type of attitude change of local community towards natural streams and associated wetland areas bordering them is a necessary pre-requisite to address the objectives of ‘Surakimu Ganga’ programme.

For example, in the case of the Gampaha Oruthota jogging track project, the original master plan was to create a bio-corridor by planting trees along river banks, connecting Gampaha area and Muthurajawela parallel to flood mitigation work in Uruwal Oya. The main purpose of bio-corridors is to enhance urban bio diversity in fast developing areas, such as the Western Province. In this particular project, when this corridor happens to run adjacent to the Gampaha town, it was sophisticated jogging track because human beings also should have an opportunity to receive the benefit.

Hidden benefits yet to be tapped from similar projects are as follows.

Direct Interventions

• The tracks, along stream banks, serve as environmentally sustainable transport (EST) by providing safe environment for walking, cycling, etc. In parallel, awareness centre (resting place with display facilities) to educate the future generation about the importance of maintaining streams, wetlands, urban wildlife and bio diversity.

• Ecological diversity of the landscape, along stream banks, provided ideal conditions to grow different kinds of trees that attracts bees and also possessing Ayurvedic values, as well. Trees such as bamboo, cane, etc., with economic value, can also be introduced.

• Emergence of eco tourism opportunities via nature trails/cycle tracks, along stream banks. For example, the Gampaha track could be improved by extending the same effort by connecting Pilikuttuwa temple forest reserve and Gampaha Botanical Garden.

• Provide opportunities for spiritual development, such as outdoor meditation locations (One such location has already been identified in the Gampaha jogging track, facing Sri Pada Peak, seen at a distance)

• Creating awareness among farming communities about possibilities of using unproductive riverine areas adjacent to natural streams for agriculture production, by strategies, such as raised bed organic agriculture.

Mahinda Panapitiya

Former Consulting Engineer, PRDA (WP)