The garbage that has collected in the Reservoir had not been cleared since its construction in the year 1948. A massive damage is caused to the environment due to the garbage dumped by residents living in the environs of the Keselgamu Oya and Dickoya Canal, which mainly feeds the Reservoir.

The Electricity Board claims that the capacity of water the Reservoir could accommodate has declined due to the garbage and silt deposits. It is reported that the furnace oil that is released from the tea factories within the environs of the Reservoir is a grave threat to the fish resources.

Directing attention to the environmental damage, the Electricity Board commenced an operation for the removal of the garbage with the support of the Norwood Police and the residents.