White froth found in Periyar: PCB issues notice to FACT
The notice issued based on earlier inferences of suspected discharge of a white gel-like foam into the river, say PCB officials
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) has formally questioned Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) over suspected industrial discharge into the Periyar River. An Environment Surveillance Centre of the Board issued a notice under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, demanding an explanation for potential violation of pollution norms.
The action stemmed from earlier observations of a white gel-like foam being discharged into the river, a phenomenon reportedly noticed last year near a barge. This Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the river water near the Edayar industrial area turned white, developing a frothy foam layer. The Board collected water samples to ascertain whether the incident was due to illegal waste discharge; however, initial results were inconclusive.
Oil and grease levels in the samples from four affected spots ranged from 4.8 mg/l to 6.5 mg/l, showing a 2 mg/l increase compared to samples taken four months earlier. Further tests are needed to confirm the source. FACT officials stated that the Board had informed them of a white foam-like layer detected during the peak summer months of March and April.
They claimed an old leachate deposit near the river, not specific to their unit, might have caused the discharge and announced that they have taken remedial measures as per the Board's instructions, dismissing concerns that the white froth observed on Tuesday was a result of their unit's discharge.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
