Kadambrayar pollution: local bodies told to step up enforcement

The Local Self-Government department (LSGD) has asked local bodies along the banks of the Kadambrayar river in Ernakulam to invoke the provisions of the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2024, against those responsible for polluting the waterbody.

The directive was issued as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal discharge of untreated wastewater from residential and commercial units. The LSGD has directed the secretaries of local bodies, including the Kochi Corporation, Thrikkakara municipality, and the Edathala, Kunnathunadu and Kizhakkambalam grama panchayats, to impose penalties and initiate further legal proceedings against violators. These civic bodies had initiated remedial measures as part of action plans prepared to restore the polluted river to its original condition.

The LSGD has asked local bodies to form squads to ensure continuous monitoring against the illegal dumping of garbage into the waterbody. They have been directed to strengthen squad activities as per Section 219S of the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2024, which deals with punishment for dumping waste into waterbodies. Anyone who commits an offence under the said Section is punishable with a fine of not less than ₹10,000 and not exceeding ₹50,000. The offender may also be imprisoned for a term of at least six months, but not exceeding one year, it said.