According to official estimates, around 750 illegal outlets discharging untreated sewage into the Edappally, Thevara-Perandoor and Mullassery canals have been detected in joint inspections by the Kochi Corporation, Local Government Department, Kerala State Pollution Control Board and Suchitwa Mission since 2023.
The illegal shops were shut down as part of the enforcement action initiated by the agencies in a case related to the Vembanad lake pollution before the National Green Tribunal’s main bench in New Delhi. In a joint inspection held on 16 January 2026, around 100 illegal drainage channels to Mullassery and Thevara-Perandoor canals were closed, according to a Local Government Department report. Law enforcement agencies found illegal discharge of sewage from 19 houses in Padiyath Kulam Colony into the Mullassery canal. Nearly 94 such drainage outlets were found along the Thevara-Perandoor canal.
Violators were issued notices and illegal drains were removed. Out of the total number of violations, about 47 persons have followed the guidelines while action is being taken against the remaining violators, including closure of unauthorized pipelines. Squad-level enforcement will be strengthened, it said.
The Local Government Department has informed the National Green Tribunal that immediate action has been taken to remove illegal outlets discharging untreated sewage and waste water into canals. At the same time, the cleaning of the canals and the removal of the accumulated waste took place. Notices and legal action have been initiated against violators to prevent recurrence of such violations, he said.
The report said enforcement was stepped up after a report on analysis of samples from some lake stations and certain drains showed significant contamination. The Chief Director of the Department of Local Government was specifically ordered to strengthen enforcement activities on and around water bodies. The government has also asked officials to form special inspection teams to identify and shut down all illegal outlets besides starting cleaning of canals. Unidentified sewers discharging sewage into sewers have been identified through this special drive, he said.
Published – 22 Jan 2026 21:15 IST
