The Idukki district administration plans to set up a CSTP plant to prevent sewage from flowing into the Periyar lake

A lake in the Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, near Kumila, in Idukki. | Photo Credit: (File Photo) SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Idukki district administration plans to construct a Compact Sewage Treatment Plant (CSTP) to prevent sewage from flowing into Periyar Lake in Thekkady. The decision comes after it was revealed that the runoff was affecting local drinking water projects as well as wildlife in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR).

According to officials, Kumily town serves as the main gateway to the tourist destination of Thekkady, home to hundreds of resorts, homestays and commercial establishments. Without a proper treatment system, untreated sewage from these facilities flows into a canal that feeds directly into the Periyar Lake in the Mullaperiyar reservoir. Local officials found that several businesses were discharging sewage directly into culverts connected to the canal.

Kumily panchayat president MM Varghese said the district administration, with the support of the panchayat, is planning to set up a fully equipped CSTP near Anavachal, where the canal joins the Periyar lake.

“Once the facility is installed in Anavachal, we can prevent sewage from mixing into the lake. Without a proper sewage treatment system, this problem cannot be solved,” he said. “Periyar lake water is also used as drinking water for Kumily and Chakkupallom panchayats in the district. The project will be implemented with the support of various departments,” Mr. Varghese said.

Untreated water

The President further added that the panchayat will no longer allow tourism establishments to discharge untreated sewage into the canal. “Facilities must arrange their own waste management systems or the local authority will issue a closure notice,” he said.

Kumily panchayat secretary R. Ashok Kumar said that without a proper CSTP, the panchayat cannot effectively manage local sanitation.

“Discussions to set up a CSTP at Kumily have been going on since 2014. Without a proper plant, it will hamper the development of tourism in Thekkady. Besides, discharge of sewage into Periyar Lake is threatening wildlife in PTR,” said Mr. Ashok Kumar.

Sources noted that neighboring Tamil Nadu also draws water from the Mullaperiyar dam to supply drinking water to its border areas.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 20:31 IST