Irrigation dept. orders removal of unauthorised constructions along Pathalam stretch of Periyar

The Irrigation department has ordered the demolition of unauthorised constructions along the downstream of the Pathalam regulator stretch of the Periyar by a unit in the Edayar industrial area as it amounted to violation of the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, 2003.

The directive was issued to Innovative Marine Products after inspections by officials at the additional irrigation sub division in Aluva found that the unit had constructed a tank close to the river bank. The probe also found other constructions along the river in violation of norms. A notice dated January 27, 2026 was sent to the company management by the Irrigation department asking it to remove all unauthorised constructions and restore the land in its original condition. The management was asked to ensure compliance within a week. Officials had also directed it to submit proof of the demolition work.

A senior Irrigation department official in Aluva said on Wednesday that the unit had started the demolition work. An inspection will be held this week to ensure that the entire unauthorised constructions are removed. The notice issued by the department had pointed out that the constructions were aimed at discharging finished water from the unit directly into the river. According to government and environmental norms, effluents from industrial units must be treated scientifically on their premises. Even treated water cannot be discharged directly into the river or other waterbodies, it said.

Shyam Sunder, partner of the unit, said the work on removing the structures would be completed within three days. “We had initiated the work after the authorities told us that it came within 10-metre radius of the river bank. There was no intention to discharge effluents into the river. We were setting up a soak pit to collect treated water,” he added.