Over 100 illegal sewage outlets into Thevara-Perandoor, Mullassery canals closed

Over 100 illegal drainage outlets from various establishments and houses directed into the Thevara-Perandoor and Mullassery canals were sealed by enforcement agencies during a joint inspection held in January.

The illegal outlets were closed as part of enforcement measures initiated by the agencies in the case related to the pollution of the Vembanad lake before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal in New Delhi.

Officials of the health and engineering wings of the Kochi Corporation participated in the surprise checks. A joint inspection held on January 16 found that 94 such drainage outlets were found leading to the Thevara-Perandoor canal. Sewage pipes from 19 houses in Padiyath Kulam Colony into the Mullassery canal were removed following the inspection, according to the Local Self-Government department (LSGD).

Of the total violations, 47 persons have complied with the directions, while action is being taken against the remaining violators, including closure of unauthorised pipelines. The inspections held along the Edappally canal ensured closure of all illegal outlets. The authorities said that squad-level enforcement would be strengthened.

A total of 750 such illegal outlets discharging untreated sewage into the Edappally, Thevara-Perandoor and Mullassery canals have been detected during joint inspections by the Kochi Corporation, LSGD, State Pollution Control Board, and Suchitwa Mission since 2023, according to the LSGD.

The authorities said immediate steps were taken to remove the illegal outlets discharging untreated sewage and wastewater into the canals. Simultaneously, canal cleaning and removal of accumulated waste were also carried out. Notices and legal measures were initiated against violators to prevent recurrence of such violations, they said.

The Principal Director, LSGD, was specifically directed to strengthen enforcement activities in and around the waterbodies. The government has also asked officials to form special inspection teams to identify and close all illegal outlets, besides initiating cleaning of canals. Sewage drains discharging sewage into the stormwater drains were identified through this special drive, it said.