Polluted and ignored: Periyar river's grim reality

Kochi: Pollution levels in the Periyar River remain critically high at all major monitoring stations across Ernakulam, according to the latest data from the National Water Quality Programme up to Dec 2024. The contamination is attributed not only to industrial effluents but also to septic waste being discharged into the river.

The water is heavily polluted with faecal coliform (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS), posing a serious public health risk. Recent studies have confirmed a direct correlation between high E. coli levels in water and an increase in cases of gastroenteritis. Some monitoring stations have recorded FC concentrations as high as 4,000 MPN/100 ml, not only in the Periyar but also in the Kochi backwaters and the Vembanad lake system.

"Though local authorities are taking measures to prevent large-scale fish kills, we had two minor incidents last month. The contamination is evident, but officials remain indifferent. Our fight against pollution will continue," said Purushan Eloor of the Periyar Maleenikkarana Viruddha Samithi.

In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) noted that all 13 sites monitored between Jan and Oct failed to meet primary water quality standards for outdoor bathing. Parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), FC, and FS were consistently non-compliant.At Kadambrayar in Brahmapuram, floating debris and high turbidity were observed, with FC levels at 1,400 MPN per 100ml. Irumbanam recorded an alarming FC of 11,000 MPN and FS of 4,100 MPN. Kalamassery showed FC at 3,400 MPN, while waters around Wellingdon Island and Thoppumpady in Kochi had FC levels exceeding 2,000 MPN.

"The govt denies industrial contamination, yet every national agency over the years has detected chemical and heavy metal pollutants in the Periyar near Eloor and Edayar," said Shibu Manuel of the Green Action Force, whose petition is being heard by the Kerala high court. "We demand a dedicated Periyar Basin Authority, as existing committees lack commitment."

Meanwhile, the NGT is hearing a suo motu case based on a Times of India report from May 6, 2024, on heavy metal contamination in fishes in Kochi waters. The tribunal has asked the National Centre for Coastal Research to submit a report. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has sought two more months to complete its study. The case will be heard on July 14.