PCB Serves Closure Notices to Polluting Units Near Thevara-Perandoor, Edappally Canals

Quick Summary

• Kerala State Pollution Control board (PCB) issued closure notices to 88 establishments near thevara-perandoor and Edappally canals for lacking adequate wastewater treatment facilities.
• Notices were issued under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Surroundings (protection) Act, 1986.
• Establishments may face disconnection of electricity, water, and other services if non-compliance continues.
• Closure intention notices were sent to an additional 34 units found without proper sewage treatment setups during inspections; they failed to obtain PCB consent required for treated effluent discharge.
• Erring units received a 15-day deadline to respond and take corrective action.The PCB shared its findings with the Kochi Corporation.
• Actions stemmed from orders by the national Green Tribunal (NGT) Southern Bench and Kerala high Court following reports on faecal contamination in nearby canals published in The Hindu on January 28, 2021.
• NGT ordered stricter enforcement against untreated liquid waste discharge into Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes – Ramsar sites highlighted for their ecological importance.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Kerala’s proactive measures reflect growing environmental vigilance influenced by judicial directives. The pollution control board’s stringent enforcement directly addresses concerns about untreated wastewater threatening critical ecosystems such as Vembanad Lake. With faecal contamination documented in major canal systems, non-compliant entities pose reputational risks for urban centers like Kochi regarding lasting advancement goals.

Establishing sewage treatment plants or connecting buildings to common infrastructure is pivotal not only legally but environmentally-offering long-term benefits outweighing costs. However, balancing punitive measures with incentives might promote quicker adoption among violators struggling financially or logistically to comply. ensuring smooth cooperation between municipal bodies such as Kochi Corporation further bolsters impact while educating public sectors involved can strengthen communal responsibility against water pollution.

Read more: Published – July 08, 2025 | Source: The Hindu