Kadambrayar pollution: Kerala State Pollution Control Board starts inspecting erring units to fix environmental compensation

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has initiated physical verification of sources responsible for illegal discharge of untreated sewage into the Kadambrayar river in Kerala’s Ernakulam district as part of fixing environmental compensation based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

The inspections began following a suo motu finding by the National Green Tribunal South Board on Thursday, May 21, 2026, based on a report published on May 21, 2026, on the pollution of Kadambrayar river. HinduBased on the report submitted by the Ministry of Local Self-Government on February 19, 2025, he directed the board to take further action against violators.

Local bodies sharing the banks of the river, including Kochi Corporation, Thrikkakara municipality, Kunnathunad, Kizhakkambalam and Edathala panchayats, had submitted details of those responsible for unauthorized discharge of untreated sewage into Kadambrayar.

Board officials stated that the final number of violators will be clear only after reviewing the report submitted by local authorities. Violators include industrial and commercial units, apartment and residential complexes, and hotels. “We have also come across reports of illegal pipelines being diverted into the river,” they said.

Monthly monitoring

The board carries out monthly monitoring at places like Brahmapuram, Kadambrayar headwaters and Manakkadavu under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. Areas close to the canal connecting Knowledge Park Phase-2 and Kadambrayar near Edachirathodu will also be monitored. Apartment and industrial units found wanting as per norms at the sewage treatment plant will also come under the scanner as part of the ongoing verification.

Since the Southern Board of the court has published the matter regarding the compliance report on June 22, 2026, the amount of penalty to be imposed on violators must be finalized without delay. The board had earlier observed that the board was yet to comply with its February 2026 decision regarding the assessment of environmental compensation.