The National Green Tribunal’s joint committee will meet again to discuss compensation for environmental damage to those responsible for the alarming rise of faecal pollution along Edappally and Thevara Perandoor canals.
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board presented an updated status report to the Southern Bench of tribunal. It stated that the guidelines for setting the compensation for environment will be followed by the Central Pollution Control Board. It stated that the Central board has prepared guidelines for the assessment and compensation of environmental damage and unscientific sewage management.
The Kochi Corporation is responsible for any violations resulting from the dumping of untreated wastewater in the canals by apartment complexes, commercial establishments, and slaughterhouses that are located near the canals. The tribunal appointed the civic body to coordinate the plan for the revitalizion and enhancement of waterbodies.
According to the report, the Secretary of Kochi Corporation had agreed that he would identify and shut down individual sullage/sewage outlets that pollute the canals.
It stated that other factors contributing to pollution include stagnation due tidal effect, uncontrolled growth weeds, unauthorised disposal septic tank effluents and clandestine releases from establishments along the banks.
According to the report, the growth of weeds must be controlled as it can lead to water stagnation and an increase in pollution load. It said that this work falls under the responsibility of the Irrigation department.
The board also recommended that CCTVs be installed at selected strategic points to capture those responsible for illegally disposing of effluent/solids waste.
