A study by the state board conducted in 2013 had strongly recommended the State Government to stop mining and quarrying activities in Koottickal panchayat.
The board had also suggested that the entire Vagamon hill ranges, including the areas under the Koottickal panchayat, be declared as a protected area, considering its ecological, biodiversity and natural heritage values.
The Kottamala hill ranges which is part of Vagamon, extends from Ramapuram to Thidanad. Even in such an extensive hill range the quarry mafia has bought almost all hill tops for quarrying.