Brahmapuram, Manakkakadavu stretches of Kadambrayar hit by high coliform levels

The total coliform levels on the Brahmapuram and Manakkakadavu stretches of the Kadambrayar in Ernakulam were found eight times higher than the maximum total coliform level of 2,500 per 100 ml under the primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The indiscriminate levels of total coliform, indicating faecal contamination, were found in the samples tested in November 2025 as part of the CPCB’s National Water Quality Monitoring Programme along polluted river stretches in the country. The findings were part of the monthly progress report submitted by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board before the Ministry of Jal Shakthi on February 5, 2026.

On the Brahmapuram stretch, the total coliform level was 21,000 MPN (most probable number) per 100 ml. In Manakkakadavu, the corresponding number was 20,000 MPN/100 ml, indicating higher levels of faecal contamination due to the unauthorised discharge of untreated wastewater from polluting sources.

The increasing levels of total coliform were detected amid the recent report of the Local Self-Government department that stringent measures had been initiated against those found responsible for the pollution of the waterbody. It had said that local bodies had initiated action plans to restore the river to its original condition.

The Brahmapuram stretch had recorded a similar situation in March 2025 when the total coliform level was recorded as 34,000 MPN/100 ml. The faecal coliform count along the stretch in March 2025 was 20,000 MPN per 100 ml, according to official estimates.