Kerala Human Rights Commission Directs Panchayat to Act Against Resorts Polluting AVM Canal
The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) of Kerala, under the leadership of Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas, has issued a firm directive to the Kulathoor grama panchayat secretary. The commission has mandated strong and immediate action against resorts located in the Neyyattinkara region that are discharging untreated sewage into the Anantha Victoria Marthandam (AVM) canal. This order comes in response to a formal complaint lodged by V Anu, highlighting severe environmental degradation caused by the illegal dumping of waste.
Panchayat Report Reveals Alarming Environmental Damage
Following the SHRC's intervention, the panchayat secretary submitted a detailed report outlining the current situation and steps taken. The report confirmed that the canal water has undergone a noticeable change in color and is emitting a persistent foul odor. Most distressingly, multiple incidents of fish deaths have been reported, directly linking the pollution to a loss of aquatic life. In light of these findings, the panchayat had previously issued warnings to the resort owners.
The local authorities directed the resort proprietors to immediately present comprehensive plans and detailed sketches of their sewage treatment plants. A clear ultimatum was given: failure to submit these crucial documents would result in the cancellation of their operating licences. This move underscores the panchayat's initial attempt to curb the pollution at its source.
Technical Limitations and Calls for Higher Authority Intervention
The panchayat's report also candidly admitted to a significant hurdle. It stated that the local body currently lacks the necessary technical facilities and expertise to properly inspect and monitor solid waste management activities undertaken by these commercial establishments. This limitation has hampered their ability to enforce compliance effectively.
Consequently, the panchayat has escalated the matter by sending official letters to two key state bodies: the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and the Suchitwa Mission. The letters formally request these agencies to conduct thorough inspections of the waste management systems at the implicated resorts. The objective is clear: to identify all establishments that are illegally discharging untreated sewage and other wastes into the river system and to take stringent legal and punitive action against them.
Complaint Details Systematic Pollution During Gate Operations
The original complainant, V Anu, provided specific allegations to the commission. It was reported that the resorts were systematically releasing sewage into the AVM canal during the scheduled opening of sluice gates. This practice suggests a deliberate attempt to flush waste into the waterway, exacerbating the pollution problem and impacting downstream areas. The SHRC's directive aims to put an end to this harmful cycle and restore the ecological health of the canal.
