Kerala Board Demands Action on River Pollution

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has formally requested an action-taken report from the Thrikkakara municipality concerning measures to address pollution in the Kadambrayar River. Recent inspections by the board confirmed that the continuous discharge of untreated sewage from areas under the municipality's jurisdiction is a significant factor contributing to the river's degraded state.

The municipality has been issued a notice under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, requiring details on the steps being taken for the river's rejuvenation. Kadambrayar is one of 32 polluted river stretches identified by the Central Pollution Control Board within Kerala.

Rashid Ullampilly, chairperson of the Thrikkakara municipality, has stated that plans are underway to establish a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of one million litres per day at Infopark. This initiative is part of a broader Green Park project that includes comprehensive solid and liquid waste management facilities.

Municipality officials also reported imposing penalties on individuals and entities found responsible for illegal garbage dumping into water bodies. Apartment complexes lacking adequate waste treatment facilities have been instructed to rectify these issues. The board has requested specific details regarding notices served to these complexes and an update on the installation and operational status of surveillance cameras monitoring illegal waste disposal.

Furthermore, the Local Self-Government department has issued directives to various local bodies, including the Kochi Corporation and several grama panchayats, to impose penalties and pursue legal action against polluters of the Kadambrayar. Secretaries have been mandated to ensure the installation of sewage treatment plants to prevent untreated wastewater discharge.