BJP seeks action against Kannur Corporation over plan to release sewage into sea

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) district president K.K. Vinod Kumar has lodged a complaint with the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and the District Collector alleging that the Kannur Corporation is attempting to release polluted water from Padanapalam canal into the sea in violation of environmental norms.

In his complaint, Vinod Kumar urged the authorities to issue a stop memo to the Corporation alleging that the move is aimed at concealing the failure of the ₹27 crore sewage treatment plant (STP) set up at Padanapalam to prevent wastewater from city drains entering the canal.

According to him, the STP established to protect the canal and prevent contamination has failed to achieve its objective. Instead, pollution levels in the canal have reportedly worsened, with contaminated water allegedly seeping into nearby wells, causing concern among residents. 

He alleged that instead of rectifying the deficiencies in the treatment system and preventing sewage inflow from stormwater drains, the Corporation is planning to cut open the canal during summer and discharge the accumulated polluted water directly into the sea.

“While opening the canal during the monsoon is a customary measure to prevent flooding and crop damage, releasing stagnant and toxic water in the summer would cause severe environmental harm, “he said. 

Better shutters

The BJP leader further demanded that shutters be constructed scientifically at Payyambalam and Mullankandy to prevent saltwater intrusion and that canal walls be strengthened to protect the water body. 

He called upon the Pollution Control Board to conduct an immediate site inspection, assess the extent of contamination and prevent the release of untreated water into the sea. The proposed move, he alleged, constitutes a blatant violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and Coastal Regulation Zone norms. 

Mr. Kumar also warned that discharging polluted water would damage the marine ecosystem and adversely affect Payyambalam beach and urged the Corporation to scientifically treat and restore the canal to its original condition instead of resorting to temporary measures.