Thu Jan 01 18:36:15 UTC 2026: ## Kerala High Court Demands Action on Periyar River Pollution Crisis
KOCHI, India – January 2, 2026 – The Kerala High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing pollution crisis in the Periyar River, citing the urgent need for a unified authority to prevent further contamination. During a hearing concerning mass fish kills attributed to pollution, the court warned it would issue appropriate orders if the state government failed to provide concrete suggestions for addressing the problem.
Justices Devan Ramachandran and M.B. Snehalatha, presiding over the case, emphasized that a previously established high-level committee would remain in power until a more effective solution is implemented.
In a related development, the Central government informed the court that 75 cents of land belonging to Hindustan Insecticides Limited in Udyogamandal could be utilized for a period of ten years to construct a temporary effluent treatment plant (ETP) aimed at remediating ‘Kuzhikandamthodu’, a tributary of the Periyar. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers communicated this offer to the State government via an order dated December 16.
The State Pollution Control Board reported that it would promptly begin construction of the ETP, having allocated approximately ₹16 crore for the project. However, they noted that a 40% share of funding from the National Clean Energy Fund had lapsed. The board pledged to submit regular action taken reports to the court.
The court has requested specific clarification from the Central government regarding the lapse in funding. It reiterated the government’s fundamental responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of the Periyar River and instructed relevant authorities to ensure compliance.
Further, the court directed the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies to submit any existing reports on pollution-related damage to aquatic life in the river.
The case has been adjourned until January 15.
First Piper 