Crime and Pollution in Matara
The following data and statistics on crime, pollution, and overall safety in Matara are derived from a combination of trusted public sources and insights gathered from over 4 user contributions.
This comprehensive approach helps provide a balanced view of the city's crime rates, environmental concerns, air quality, and public safety. By aggregating information from government reports, environmental studies, and direct feedback from residents, we aim offer an up-to-date and thorough analysis of key factors impacting quality of life in Matara.
Crime Data in Matara
Crime Perception and Concerns
In 2024, Matara demonstrates a relatively low crime index, reflecting a generally positive perception of safety among its residents. While certain crimes remain a concern, overall, the city is perceived as safe, especially during the day.
Residents express confidence in public safety, though there is a moderate concern regarding potential increases in crime, particularly related to corruption and drugs.
Some notable concerns include:
- Property Crimes - Property crimes, including theft and home break-ins, are not seen as significant issues in Matara, with residents reporting low levels of anxiety regarding these crimes.
- Drug-Related Issues - While not highly pronounced, drug-related problems are noted as a moderate concern, contributing to a slightly higher perception of corruption and bribery in certain areas.
- Violent Crimes - Violent crime is perceived as a minimal threat in Matara, with residents expressing very low worries about physical assaults or robberies, indicating a strong sense of community safety.
- Public Safety - Public safety perception is strong in Matara, notably during daylight when residents feel quite secure. Even at night, confidence remains relatively high, suggesting effective local safety measures.
Crime Trends and Safety
- Rising Crime Concerns - Despite the overall low crime perception, there is a noted concern that crime may be on the rise. This sentiment is influenced by the presence of corruption and some influence from drug-related activity.
- Specific Fears - Fear of being assaulted or insulted due to personal characteristics is virtually non-existent, reflecting a broad sense of inclusivity and acceptance within the community.
Summary of Crime in Matara
Matara enjoys a favorable overall perception of safety, marked by low crime levels and a high safety index. Continued attention to addressing corruption and vigilance against drug-related issues will be crucial to maintaining this positive environment.
Crime Rankings
The crime ranking by city for Sri Lanka is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.
Pollution Data in Matara
Air Quality and Pollution Levels
Pollution levels in Matara are a significant concern, with air quality and environmental cleanliness requiring attention, particularly in the urban areas.
While particulate matter levels like PM2.5 and PM10 are manageable, the general air quality perception remains low among residents.
- PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels are notably low, which is a positive aspect of Matara's environmental conditions, mitigating some health risks related to air quality.
- PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 levels do not pose a significant threat at the current threshold, aligning with relatively manageable levels of particulate pollution.
Waste and Noise Pollution
Waste management emerges as a critical issue for Matara, with dissatisfaction in garbage disposal services impacting public perceptions of cleanliness.
Noise pollution is less of a concern, though it still marginally affects the quality of life, especially in busier regions of the city.
- Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Matara residents express considerable dissatisfaction with garbage disposal, signaling a need for improved waste management practices to enhance urban cleanliness.
- Noise and Light Pollution - The impact of noise and light pollution is relatively moderate, indicating that while present, it is not a dominant issue affecting daily life substantially.
Green Spaces and Water Quality
While green spaces are available, the perception of their quality is negative, suggesting unmet expectations towards park maintenance and recreational facilities.
Water quality perception is slightly negative, reflecting a modest concern over accessibility and purity, which could affect overall livability and health standards.
- Green and Parks Quality - The dissatisfaction with parks highlights a need for investment in green spaces to boost their accessibility and upkeep, encouraging recreational use and environmental benefits.
- Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water quality and accessibility in Matara show room for improvement, although no immediate health threats are reported, enhancing resident satisfaction remains a priority.
Pollution Rankings
The pollution ranking for Sri Lanka is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.
"Key Takeaways"
In Matara, safety perceptions are generally positive, with low crime rates despite moderate concerns over corruption and drug-related activity.
Pollution challenges exist, particularly related to waste management and air quality, with residents calling for improvement in these areas.
Efforts to enhance waste disposal and green space quality, paired with maintaining low crime rates, will support Matara's continued livability improvements.