Published Aug 07, 2026 | 8:49 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 07, 2026 | 8:50 PM
Malankara reservoir. (Irrigation Department)
Synopsis: An oily substance was found floating across a stretch of the Malankara reservoir in Kerala’s Idukki district on Friday, prompting a police inquiry into the source of the contamination. The pollution came to light after people bathing in the reservoir reported itching and skin irritation. Residents suspected that nearby industries might have discharged untreated chemical waste into the water.
A layer of oily substance was found floating across a stretch of the Malankara reservoir in Kerala’s Idukki district, one of the region’s major drinking water sources, on Friday, 7 August.
The reservoir, an artificial lake created by a dam built across the Thodupuzha river under the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project on the Thodupuzha–Moolamattom road, stores tailwater discharged from the Moolamattom Power House. It supplies water for irrigation and drinking purposes across Idukki, Kottayam and parts of Ernakulam districts.
A layer of oily substance was first noticed by locals bathing in the reservoir.
The pollution came to light early on Friday after people bathing in the reservoir complained of itching and skin irritation. As more residents reached the site, they found an extensive layer of oily residue mixed with suspected chemical waste floating across several kilometres of the water surface.
Police reached the area after receiving complaints from residents and began an inquiry to identify the source of the contamination.
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Residents alleged that industrial units operating near the reservoir were responsible for the pollution. They claimed that factories had been exploiting the higher water level following recent heavy rain to discharge untreated chemical waste into the reservoir during the night, making the dumping difficult to detect immediately.
Police said the investigation was in progress and samples were expected to be examined to determine the nature of the pollutants.
The incident revived memories of an earlier episode in which the reservoir was covered by a thick layer of white chemical foam, prompting similar concerns over industrial pollution.
A Muttom grama panchayat official described the recurring pollution as a matter of serious concern.
“The reservoir is an important source of drinking water for a large population. We have informed the concerned departments and expect a detailed investigation to identify those responsible. If industrial units are found to have discharged waste into the reservoir, strict action must follow to prevent such incidents from recurring,” the official said.
Residents said repeated contamination incidents called for continuous monitoring.
They demanded that the Kerala State Pollution Control Board strengthen surveillance around the reservoir, install permanent monitoring systems and take stringent action against industries found violating pollution norms.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
