Seven housing complexes along the Thevara-Perandoor canal are yet to submit an affidavit stating that they need reasonable time to install sewage treatment plants (STPs), according to official sources.
The Local Government Department (LSGD) informed the Kerala High Court in October that 57 of the 71 housing complexes that received power cutoff notices for not having adequate sewage treatment facilities had submitted affidavits to the Kerala State Pollution Control Board that STPs would be installed as per norms.
Board officials said several apartment complexes have gone to court to stay further proceedings. It was up to the LSGD to initiate follow-up in accordance with the court’s directive, they added.
The ministry said before the High Court that apartment complexes that are yet to submit affidavits can use Kochi Corporation’s septic tank dewatering facilities until they comply with the directive.
The Apex Association (Kerala) had earlier filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court to resolve the sewage problem by opting for a centralized network rather than decentralized units, especially in housing complexes facing space crunch. She also blamed the board for not taking action against the commercial units and other sources responsible for the pollution of the canals.
Subsequently, the court set up a high-level study group to examine the sewerage network and also sought a preliminary report on it.
The High Court was informed that projects worth ₹1,620 crore are in the pipeline or will be implemented over the next three to five years. According to the report of the study group, it is therefore necessary for the flats to install their own STP.
Published – 18 Nov 2025 21:01 IST
