In response to complaints of noise pollution and dust emitting from a quarry, EFL conducted a site to Kaduwela on the 6th of June 2016 to investigate reports of quarrying being carried out without a permit. EFL’s team learned that over 30 quarries were operating at Anda dola and Korathota mountains, while less than 10 quarries had received a renewed permit. It was observed that the surrounding region was predominately covered with agricultural land featuring coconut, paddy, rubber and manioc,
Following up on reports of illegal soil extraction in the Panirendawa forest reserve, EFL conducted a site visit on 26th May 2016 to assess the ground situation. 4 abandoned excavation sites were found and approximately 20 acres of land appears to have been cleared for excavation. Further investigations revealed that illegal soil extraction had been carried out 3-4 years ago but had since stopped. Other land use patterns contiguous to the forest reserve are paddy fields, settlements, and the village temple. To prevent illegal soil
