PCB Acts Against Polluters of Thevara-Perandoor, Edappally Canals

Swift summary

• The Kerala State Pollution Control board (PCB) will direct the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to disconnect power supply to over 70 apartment complexes and commercial buildings near the Thevara-Perandoor and Edappally canals for violating environmental norms.
• The units failed to set up adequate wastewater treatment facilities as mandated under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the habitat (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Earlier, closure notices were issued to around 88 units with warnings about disconnection of electricity, water supply, and other services if compliance was not ensured within a given timeframe. Violators either ignored or submitted unsatisfactory replies.
• Some properties installed sewage treatment plants but did not secure mandatory consent from PCB for treated effluent discharge under section 25 of the water Pollution Act.
• Actions align with directives from the National Green Tribunal and Kerala high Court in response to concerns over untreated wastewater being illegally discharged into local canals.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The decision by PCB reflects a strong stance against non-compliance with environmental regulations in Kerala’s urban zones-a growing concern amid rapid urbanization. Despite earlier warnings, lackadaisical responses highlight systemic gaps in enforcing environmental laws at both corporate and administrative levels. Disconnecting essential utilities like electricity has critically important implications: it prioritizes ecological preservation over commercial interests but may result in immediate operational disruptions affecting thousands.

From a broader outlook, this move could serve as precedent-setting for stricter enforcement across India’s cities grappling with pollution issues due to unchecked progress practices.While such proactive measures align clearly with court-mandated obligations aimed at safeguarding public health waterways like canals bear crucial ecological functions-the challenge lies ahead in balancing accountability without severe socio-economic fallout on affected communities.

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