The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) is yet to comply with a directive issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to fix environmental compensation on those responsible for the pollution of the Kadambrayar in Ernakulam.
An order issued by the Southern Bench of the tribunal comprising Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member, and Prashant Gargava, Expert Member, on February 19, 2026 had directed the PCB to assess the environmental compensation payable by violators. The Bench also directed the board to ensure compliance with the action taken report submitted by the Local Self-Government department (LSGD) regarding the pollution of the river.
The Ernakulam district office of the board stated that a decision remained pending on the issue of fixing environmental compensation. Senior board officials said that earlier inspections had found that some industrial units, apartment complexes, hotels, and commercial units located close to the banks of the waterbody were responsible for the illegal discharge of untreated water. Most erring units were found lacking in adequate facilities to process wastewater. Clarity is expected soon on environmental compensation, and required measures will be initiated as per the tribunal’s directive, they said.
The Southern Bench has posted the matter for reporting compliance on June 22, 2026 after making an observation that the board is yet to comply with its February 2026 order. The environmental compensation will be fixed based on the ‘polluter pays principle’. The board has to work out the amount based on the quantum of waste generated by violators.
The LSGD had recently directed the secretaries of local bodies, including the Kochi Corporation, Thrikkakara municipality, and Edathala, Kunnathunadu and Kizhakkambalam grama panchayats, to impose penalties and initiate further legal proceedings against violators. These civic bodies had initiated remedial measures as part of action plans prepared to restore the polluted river to its original condition.
Published – May 07, 2026 12:19 am IST
