Kerala: 720 illegal sewage outlets shut across four districts
Inspections between February and August 2026 found about 720 illegal outlets discharging untreated sewage into Kerala's water bodies; all have been closed and violators penalised.
Enforcement agencies in Kerala have shut down around 720 illegal outlets that were discharging untreated sewage into natural streams and water bodies across four districts, following inspections conducted between February and August 2026.
The drive, led by the Department of Local Self-Government, covered Ernakulam, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam. The findings form part of a report on the status of solid and liquid waste management in the State, submitted before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal in August 2026.
Ernakulam recorded the highest number of violations by a wide margin, with 671 outlets traced to households and commercial establishments. Kollam and Kottayam followed with 18 each, while Alappuzha accounted for 16. The untreated sewage was routed into water bodies through 39 public drains.
The inspections were carried out by special squads drawn from various local bodies, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Suchitwa Mission and other enforcement agencies. Officials said the tribunal has been informed that the outlets have been closed and that legal action has been initiated against those responsible.
Notices were served under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Kerala Municipality (Amendment) Act, 2024. Section 337 of the amended municipal law prohibits the discharge of wastewater or sewage from any premises into public drains, roads, streets or water bodies.
The report also details penalties imposed by local bodies. The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation levied about ₹1.09 crore for violations linked to the discharge of untreated sewage, and more than 4,300 notices were issued as part of the enforcement drive. The Kochi Corporation collected about ₹69.8 lakh, the Kollam Corporation ₹11.7 lakh, the Alappuzha municipality about ₹8.8 lakh and the Kottayam municipality ₹2.1 lakh.
Pollution Control Board officials in Ernakulam said the inspections showed that the illegal outlets were largely found in commercial and residential units that lacked adequate remedial measures, including sewage treatment plants, to prevent untreated sewage from entering water bodies.