₹2 crore penalty for illegal waste dumping in Periyar

Local authorities have imposed penalties exceeding ₹2 crore for illegal waste dumping in the Periyar river. This action follows directions from the National Green Tribunal aimed at reducing pollution in the waterbody. The Kochi Corporation and nearby municipalities, including Aluva and Kalamassery, have been active in enforcing these penalties. Their efforts are documented in a monthly progress report related to the Periyar river action plan. As of January 2025, the Aluva municipality fined individuals ₹3.1 lakh for discharging untreated wastewater. Additionally, they collected ₹1.4 lakh for other illegal dumping activities. The Kochi Corporation took stronger measures, collecting ₹1.32 crore for waste dumping issues linked to the Edappally canal. The report reveals that around ₹88 lakh in penalties has been imposed for wastewater discharge from local apartments, hotels, and shops. Kalamassery municipality added ₹21.7 lakh for unauthorized sewage dumping. To enhance monitoring, night surveillance squads were deployed to identify offenders in the NAD-Kalamassery area. Furthermore, Choornikkara panchayat fined ₹40,000 for illegal sewage discharge into a drain that leads to the river. The ongoing enforcement actions seek to protect the Periyar from further pollution.