In an effort to protect vital highland river headwaters and endemic alpine ecosystems, the government has formally declared approximately 1,500 hectares of vulnerable slopes across Nuwara Eliya as strictly protected environmental conservation reserves.

The gazetted areas encompass primary cloud forest fragments and sub-montane wetland catchments feeding major tributaries of the Mahaweli and Kelani rivers. Under the protective legislation, commercial earth clearing and unauthorized construction are strictly banned, ensuring that groundwater recharge basins remain stable against soil erosion and climate variability.