The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) is yet to comply with the directive issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to fix environmental compensation for those responsible for the Kadambrayar pollution in Ernakulam.
On 19 February 2026, the Southern Bench ordered a tribunal comprising Pushpa Sathyanarayan, Judicial Member and Prashant Gargava, Expert Member, directing the PCB to assess the environmental compensation to be paid by the violators. The bench also directed the council to ensure compliance with the action taken report submitted by the Local Government Department (LSGD) regarding river pollution.
The Ernakulam district office said a decision was awaited on the issue of determining environmental compensation. Senior officials of the board said earlier inspections had found that some industrial units, residential complexes, hotels and commercial units located near the banks of the watercourse were responsible for illegal discharge of untreated water. Most of the erring units were found not to have adequate waste water treatment facilities. It is expected that there will be clarity regarding environmental compensation soon and the required action will be initiated as per the tribunal’s directive, they said.
The South Bench posted the matter for reporting on June 22, 2026, after noting that the council is yet to comply with its order of February 2026. The environmental compensation will be determined on the polluter pays principle. The board must calculate the amount based on the amount of waste generated by the offender.
The LSGD recently directed secretaries of local bodies including Kochi Corporation, Thrikkakara municipality and Edathala, Kunnathunadu and Kizhakkambalam grama panchayats to impose penalties and initiate further legal proceedings against violators. These civic associations initiated remedial measures as part of action plans prepared to restore the polluted river to its original state.
Published – 07 May 2026 0:19 IST
