₹69 lakh penalty imposed for illegal discharge of sewage into Vembanad, Ashtamudi lakes

Local bodies along the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes imposed penalties totalling ₹69 lakh between March 2023 and May 2025 for the illegal discharge of untreated sewage into the ecologically important Ramsar sites.

The wastewater was released from houseboats, residential and commercial units, and institutions. Over 2,000 illegal outlets were sealed, and more than 500 institutions were found operating without sewage treatment plants.

Seventy such erring units were shut down for violating environmental norms, according to an action taken report filed by the Chief Secretary of Kerala before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal on July 15, 2025, in the case related to the pollution of the waterbodies.

A total of 12,199 inspections were conducted between March 2023 and May 2025 to check for violations. Of the ₹69.23 lakh in fines imposed, only ₹12.24 lakh has been collected so far. A total of 556 units were found lacking sewage treatment plants, and nearly 194 plants were found non-functional.

The report said that 878 pre-monsoon cleaning drives were conducted over the past two years. More than 900 public spaces were cleaned, and around 385 tonnes of waste were removed. Around 1,281 km of canals and drains were cleared during this period.

A three-tier monitoring system comprising local-level vigilance squads and district- and block-level enforcement squads has been set up as part of the remedial measures against pollution. Nine major community-level projects were under implementation in the districts through which the lakes traversed, aimed at preventing illegal discharge.

The focus has been on treating faecal sludge and septage, commissioning sewage treatment plants, and supporting the necessary infrastructure. According to the report, local bodies have initiated steps to set up bio-digesters, greywater treatment systems, and soak pits to curb the illegal sewage inflow from houseboats, residential and commercial establishments, and institutions.