Kochi High Court Forms Panel To Review Sewerage Network
The Kerala High Court has directed the formation of a high-level study group to evaluate Kochi’s sewerage infrastructure, focusing on sewage treatment plants (STPs) and identifying sustainable solutions for the city’s long-standing wastewater management challenges. The court has mandated that a preliminary report be submitted within a month, detailing critical areas requiring attention to prevent further environmental degradation.
The move comes following a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Apartment Owners’ Apex Association, highlighting untreated liquid waste from multiple apartment complexes being discharged directly into the Thevara-Perandoor canal. The court noted the failure of statutory authorities, including Kochi Corporation and the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), to fulfil obligations under environmental regulations.
The high-level study group will include the Principal Secretary of the Local Self-Government Department, the Chairperson of KSPCB, the Managing Director of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), and the Secretary of Kochi Corporation. Tasked with functioning independently, the group is expected to provide actionable recommendations through the Principal Secretary. The court scheduled the next hearing of the plea for October 27.
Officials from nearly 45 of the 71 apartment complexes along the Thevara-Perandoor and Edappally canals, previously flagged for lacking adequate wastewater treatment, submitted undertakings in early September requesting additional time to comply. The KSPCB had issued notices to ensure these complexes meet regulatory standards. Space constraints at several sites were cited as a challenge, prompting authorities to explore solutions that accommodate STPs within existing premises.
Environmental experts have lauded the court’s intervention as a necessary step toward safeguarding the canals, which are vital ecological assets and essential for the city’s sustainable development. “Addressing untreated sewage inflows is critical to preserving water quality, supporting urban biodiversity, and ensuring public health,” said an urban water management expert.
The study group’s report is anticipated to form the foundation for comprehensive reforms in Kochi’s wastewater management, providing clear guidelines for infrastructure upgrades, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning. Analysts emphasise that effective implementation will require coordination between municipal authorities, environmental regulators, and the citizenry to achieve a zero-pollution, eco-friendly city vision.With urbanisation intensifying across Kochi, the court’s proactive measures reflect growing judicial oversight in matters where municipal inaction could compromise public health and environmental integrity. Residents and environmental groups are watching closely, urging swift action to ensure canals are no longer subjected to untreated wastewater discharges.
