Can State Govt Use Existing Effluent Treatment Plant Of HIL Or Construct New Plant To Clean River Periyar: Kerala HC Asks Centre To Respond

The Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha has thus directed the competent Secretary of the Government of India to respond to the request of the State Government so as to clean the “Kuzhikandam Thodu” of the Periyar River.

Court stated, “We have no doubt that if “Periyar” is to be purified to the extent possible, “Kuzhikandam Thodu” will have to be tackled first, if not at the earliest. The Government of India and the Government of Kerala will have to act in consonance, keeping in mind the higher public cause we are concerned about, rather than find excuses. While the Government of Kerala says that they have been representing to the Government of India, for either being allowed to utilize the existing ETP, or for construction of a new one in 75 cents of land of HIL, their assertion is that the Government of India has not responded to it.”

The Court was hearing cases filed by activist KSR Menon, Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samidhi, Association of Green Action Force to curb the pollution of the Periyar River. Periyar is one of the longest rivers in Kerala and it is the primary source of water for many cities, including Kochi.

The petitions were filed alleging that pollution was caused from industrial affluents from industries and Aluva market. It was alleged that the Central Pollution Control Board or the Kerala State Pollution Control Board have not taken appropriate steps to curb the pollution in and around river. It was also stated that the industrial affluents discharged into the river were dangerous to human beings, and to the flora and fauna.

Through its earlier orders, the Court had sought monitoring the industries the industries located in the upstream portion of the Periyar river. The Court had earlier noted that there is a lack of clarity as to which authorities were vested with the responsibility of maintaining the river clean.

The Court had thus suggested that a single authority could be vested with the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of Periyar river.

The Court further stated that it was absolutely unexpendable and imperative for the citizens of the State to ensure that the Periyar river runs clean. The Court thus emphasized that the Central Government must not delay its response, since the request letter has been pending since 2021 and that three years have already passed.

As such, the matter has been posted to March 14 for further hearing.

Case Title: Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi v State Of Kerala & Connected Matters

Case Number: WP(C) 996/ 2012 & Connected Matters