Maho Development Plan (2021 - 2030)

Development Plan is a legal document for monitoring and regulating physical, social, economic and environmental activities in a particular area according to a proper plan. It provides a legal framework. In accordance with the plan, development strategies are prepared to manage the livelihood of the people in a sustainable manner. According to the above powers, priority was given to the physical development of the town while preparing the Development Plan.

The Urban Development Authority is responsible for preparing and implementing physical development plans in areas declared under the provisions of Section II (a), 8 (a) of the amended Act No. 4 of 1982 of the Urban Development Authority Act No. 41 of 1978.

Under Gazette Notification No. 166/19 dated 13.11.1981, ten Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Maho area were declared as an Urban Development Area under the Urban Development Authority. According to Gazette Notification No. 1535/14 dated 08.02.2008, the area was expanded up to 24 Grama Niladhari Divisions, covering a land extent of 7,441 hectares. This expansion aimed to encourage development activities in Daladagama Junction commercial area and to preserve archaeological sites including Yapahuwa and other tourist attraction sites.

The Urban Development Authority identified the necessity of preparing a Town Development Plan for the Maho area, considering that it is a fertile agricultural region. The plan aims to develop the agricultural economy and utilize the archaeological background of the area to develop it as an attractive tourist center according to a systematic plan.

The Project Report prepared earlier for Maho town was valid only up to 2017. No adequate action had been taken to regulate development activities in accordance with that Town Development Plan. Accordingly, in 2017, the Urban Development Authority commenced the preparation of a proper Development Plan for the urban area.

To achieve the goals of physical, economic, environmental and social development by 2030, strategic proposals and guidelines have been incorporated into this new Development Plan.

Chapter 01
Background of the Development Plan
Maho Development Plan | 2021–2030
Urban Development Authority

As one of the ten principles relevant to the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” policy statement that directly contributes to urban planning in the Maho area, the following are considered very important:

• Productive Citizenry and a Vibrant Human Resource
• People-Centric Economic Development
• Technology-Based Society
• Development of Physical Resources
• Sustainable Environmental Management

The development of the outer ring road, expansion of local roads, development of special access road systems to reach archaeological sites, construction of flyovers, and provision of parks towards an eco-friendly transport system can be achieved under related policies.

All reservoirs such as tanks, rivers, streams and canals are to be protected through reserves declared by the relevant maintenance agencies. Where necessary, steps have been taken to protect water resources by enforcing relevant building restrictions under the Urban Development Authority regulations. This objective is supported by the Deduru Oya Drinking Water Supply Project currently being implemented.

The Wayamba Ela Project under the Moragahakanda Reservoir Project is designed to supply water to agricultural lands in the Mahawa Zone. This project has also been integrated into the Mahawa City Development Plan. The Development Plan proposes measures to uplift the economic conditions of the people in the area.

The proposal to establish an Industrial Development Zone is expected to increase demand for regional products and create industrial employment by converting agricultural products into value-added finished goods. It also contributes to the creation of a technology-based society, an international innovation hub and an IT entrepreneurial society.

The strategies and projects introduced to achieve the vision of this Development Plan have formalized building development, infrastructure development and physical resource development in the area.

This Environmental Plan, submitted as part of the Development Plan prepared for the Maho Urban Area, consists of the following components:

• Wetland Plan
• Landscape Management Plan
• Disaster Mitigation Plan
• Proposed Public Outdoor Open Space Plan

Through these plans, it is expected to conserve existing paddy lands and forest plantations while promoting sustainable development. Accordingly, this Development Plan aims to create an area guided by a sustainable environmental policy.

Under the principle of building a productive citizen and a happy family within a knowledge-based society, emphasis is placed on strengthening school education, higher education, universities and curriculum development to nurture wise and capable citizens.