The directive to implement the provisions of the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2024 was issued as part of efforts to curb the illegal discharge of untreated sewage from residential and commercial units into Kadambrayar. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
The Local Government Department (LSGD) has asked the local bodies along the banks of the Kadambrayar River in Ernakulam to enforce the provisions of the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2024 against those responsible for polluting the water body.
The directive was issued as part of an ongoing effort to curb the illegal discharge of untreated wastewater from residential and commercial units. The LSGD directed the secretaries of local bodies, including Kochi Corporation, Thrikkakara municipality and Edathala, Kunnathunadu and Kizhakkambalam grama panchayats, to impose penalties and take further legal action against violators. These civic associations initiated remedial measures as part of action plans prepared to restore the polluted river to its original state.
LSGD asked the local authorities to form squads to ensure round-the-clock monitoring against illegal dumping of garbage in the waterway. They were ordered to strengthen the squad’s activities under Section 219S of the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2024, which deals with punishment for dumping waste in water courses. Whoever commits an offense under the said section shall be liable to a fine of not less than ₹10,000 and not exceeding ₹50,000. The offender may also be sentenced to imprisonment for at least six months, but at most one year, she said.
Published – 29 Apr 2026 22:42 IST
