NGT pulls up Keralam PCB over ‘incomplete’ report on measures to curb Kadambrayar river pollution
Southern Bench of the tribunal had recommended remedial action after it took cognisance of a report in The Hindu
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has criticized the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for submitting an incomplete report on measures taken to curb pollution in the Kadambrayar River. The tribunal found the KSPCB's report, titled "No respite from faecal contamination in Kadambrayar river in Ernakulam district," lacking in details as required by the NGT's earlier directive.
The Southern Bench of the NGT, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member Prashant Gargava, expressed disappointment in the quality of the report filed and requested the Member Secretary to verify it before submission. The KSPCB had been tasked with assessing the environmental compensation payable by violators of the NGT's directives.
The Kadambrayar River is one of 32 polluted river stretches identified in Kerala, per the Central Pollution Control Board's report for 2025. The NGT had earlier directed the KSPCB to examine the action taken report filed by the Department of Local Self-Government regarding the restoration of the Kadambrayar River and assess environmental compensation based on the "polluter pays principle."
The KSPCB's June 19, 2026 report indicated inspections of local bodies near the river between May 25, 2026 and June 3, 2026, revealing that the Thrikkakara municipality had imposed a fine of ₹26,590 for illegal dumping between March 2024 and August 2024. However, the KSPCB did not provide sufficient details to fulfill the NGT's requirements, leading to the criticism.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
