The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) will initiate further action on the lack of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in residential complexes and commercial units in Kochi following the outcome of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Apex Flat Owners Association (Kerala) in the Kerala High Court.
The board had earlier sent notices to 71 apartment complexes and commercial units located near Thevara-Perandoor and Edappally canals for not having STPs. The Kerala State Electricity Board has issued a notice to disconnect power to the units based on the board’s recommendations.
PCB officials said that after receiving the notification, only a few housing complexes have started work on setting up STPs. Most housing societies had yet to ensure compliance as they awaited the outcome of the PIL. They will not initiate any further action until then, they said.
In its affidavit, the association cited the government’s order dated 10 May 2025 regarding the establishment of STPs, sewerage network, sanitation facilities and solid waste management as part of the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project for the development of canals in Kochi.
Establishment of four STPs at Vennala, Muttar, Perandoor and Elamkulam and connected sewer lines to ensure minimum channel requirements were included in the project at a cost of ₹ 393.13 crore.
The PIL said the Kochi Corporation/Kerala Water Authority proposed sewerage network will be completed by the time each of the old housing complexes completes formalities and gets approval to run STPs.
Published – 13 Feb 2026 21:40 IST