Political-geographic scales of environmental injustice - understanding the flood-affected neighborhoods on the banks of the Kelani River in Colombo

Abstract

Environmental injustice has become a detrimental reality in urbani'{/ngdeveloping world. Branding of communities as 'encroachers' due to the absence ofproperty rights has caused insecure rights to clean air, safe dn'nking n/ater and live in a safe environment. This shows that the term 'properry nghts' is mis-defined as 'right to life'. The observable small geographic extent of the problem tendsthe decision makers to recognize that as a minor issue at neighborhood pockets but the author's reading argues such places as icebergs whichcover the unseen broader geographic context. This study emphasizes h02Vthe negligence of the broader geographic context made matry decision makers fail to address the burning issues exists at these vulnerable urban pockets.