A Division Bench raised serious concerns over the rising pollution in the Periyar River, underscoring the urgent need for concrete measures to address the crisis.
Published Jun 26, 2025 | 11:41 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 26, 2025 | 11:41 AM
Kerala High Court. (iStock)
Synopsis: A Kerala High Court bench comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and MB Snehalatha stressed the grave health hazards posed by the contamination of the Periyar River. The court underscored the urgent need for concrete measures to address the crisis.
The Kerala High Court stressed the grave health hazards posed by the contamination of the Periyar River, which serves as a primary source of drinking water for many in the region.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and MB Snehalatha, while hearing a batch of petitions on the issue, raised serious concerns over the rising pollution in the Periyar River, underscoring the urgent need for concrete measures to address the crisis.
“Periyar’s waters are consumed by people who neither have the means to purify nor boil it. That is the demographic we stand for,” the court remarked.
The court has been monitoring the issue for some time now and, in January, suggested the formation of a dedicated authority for the Periyar, modelled after the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
It noted that while both the State and Central Pollution Control Boards only monitor and advise, a permanent authority could ensure sustained protection and conservation efforts.
On Wednesday, the government informed the court that it was actively considering the proposal for such a body.
On 10 January this year, the bench had mandated that the officials responsible would be held personally accountable if the Periyar River became polluted, and consequences would follow if they neglected their duties.
The court had pointed out that, apart from a few reports being submitted, no significant action has been taken by the officials entrusted with preventing pollution. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again in two weeks.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
