Apartment associations demand temporary alternatives, like submitting undertakings to use common STPs.
Published Aug 01, 2025 | 4:15 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 01, 2025 | 4:15 PM
KSEB headquarters at Pattom in Thiruvananthapuram. (Wikimedia)
The Kerala State Electricity Board has issued disconnection warnings to 71 apartment complexes in Kochi for failing to comply with Kerala State Pollution Control Board norms mandating sewage treatment plants (STPs) for buildings on plots over 2,000 sq m.
The notices, affecting over 1,500 households in areas like Kaloor, Vennala, Vyttila, Elamakkara, Edappally, and Thevara, state that power supply will be cut within a week.
This follows a 23 July KSPCB directive under HC and National Green Tribunal orders to prevent untreated sewage from entering city canals. KSPCB had earlier issued closure notices, directing residents to vacate apartments within 15 days to halt pollution.
Residents argue it’s unfeasible to install STPs due to lack of space and high costs, especially in older buildings handed over before the 2010 rule mandating STPs.
Many rely on licensed tankers transporting waste to KWA and GCDA-run PCB approved STPs.
Apartment associations demand temporary alternatives, like submitting undertakings to use common STPs.
However, KSEB officials say disconnections will proceed under Kerala Electricity Supply Code provisions, despite growing appeals for government intervention.
