NGT not satisfied with LSGD’s report on pollution impacting coastline of Fort Kochi in Kerala

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the secretary of the Local Self Government Department to submit another report detailing the actions taken so far regarding pollution in the backwaters and coastal areas of Fort Kochi.

The Southern Board of the Court said that the action implementation report submitted by the ministry on July 16, 2026 was not completed because each of the officials involved in the project did not specifically indicate the action plan. It also does not provide details of the measures taken and the measures being implemented based on the high-level meeting held on January 14, 2026.

The bench, comprising judicial member Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava, observed that the secretary’s report should include future action to be taken.

long term plan

The ministry’s report stated that a long-term Fort Kochi beach rejuvenation and beautification plan is being considered, including sustainable tourism principles. The government is exploring the possibility of using mechanized and manually operated sand cleaning machines to tackle marine-borne debris, algae deposits and mixed debris, especially during the monsoon season.

According to the action report on the impact of garbage heaps on the tourism potential of Fort Kochi coastline, installation of steel bins and bottle booths at strategic places including beach entry points, walkways, sales areas and tourist gathering areas is also in progress.

The court had earlier directed the Department of Local Self-Government, Kerala State Pollution Control Board and Ernakulam District Collector to submit a report on the possibility of deployment of modern equipment, including marine tanks and amphibious waste removal systems, for effective removal of floating debris from backwaters and coastal waters.

Coordination meetings

Technical coordination meetings will be held with the participation of experts from IITs/NITs and officials of Cochin Port Trust, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and District Tourism Promotion Council to carry out feasibility studies and detailed planning for the proposed beach rejuvenation plan, the ministry said.

Representatives of Kochi Corporation said that they have taken several measures in accordance with the directive issued by the court. This included field inspections and gap assessment of waste management and sanitation facilities at Fort Kochi Beach. The focus is on improving existing waste management practices, sanitation infrastructure, cleanliness of public spaces, and inter-departmental and inter-stakeholder coordination mechanisms.