Untreated Water Flowing Into Akkulam-Veli Lake
The sewage discharge has reportedly been taking place in the Chembuparambu area, located between Technopark Phase I and Phase III, near Vallathodu Kavu
Thiruvananthapuram: The alleged discharge of untreated sewage from buildings and residential complexes in the Technopark area is polluting Thettiyar canal, with the wastewater eventually flowing into Akkulam-Veli Lake. This has raised serious concerns about public health risks, water quality and environmental degradation.Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has intervened in the issue and is expected to initiate action soon. The issue has also been brought to the attention of the chief minister’s office. The sewage discharge has reportedly been taking place in the Chembuparambu area, located between Technopark Phase I and Phase III, near Vallathodu Kavu. Several establishments, including residential apartments and hostels, are also allegedly releasing sewage and wastewater without proper treatment.According to sources, sewage treatment plants (STPs) installed in Technopark are either non-functional or not being operated effectively. The wastewater is allegedly pumped into the low-lying area, where it accumulates before flowing through the Peepul’s Park campus inside Technopark. It subsequently enters the canal through underground pipelines.The contaminated water flows through Kallupalem, Munnattumukku, Kuzhivila, Karimanal and Pulimuttam before passing beneath the VSSC compound and the railway line and finally reaching Akkulam-Veli Lake.Environmental Protection and Research Council (EPRC) president Sanjeev S J said the issue had persisted for years despite repeated complaints to various authorities. The organisation submitted a complaint to the district collector, who is also the chairperson of the district disaster management authority, on Oct 28, seeking urgent intervention.“Technopark is projected as a major green IT destination, but the discharge of untreated sewage into natural drainage channels defeats the very concept of sustainable development. The authorities must ensure that all establishments have functional sewage treatment systems and that untreated wastewater does not reach the Thettiyar. However, CPCB has intervened in the issue which may bring relief to the locals,” Sanjeev said.Residents living near the canal have also raised concerns over the pollution and its impact on groundwater. “The canal has gradually become a channel for sewage rather than a natural drainage system. We are concerned about the contamination of nearby wells and the health risks to families living along its banks. The STP behind Thejaswini building is not functional, and hence we have been bearing the brunt for a long time, and many residents are facing health issues,” GopaKumar P, a resident, said.The issue is not new. EPRC had submitted a complaint before the sub-divisional magistrate on Jan 14, 2019, highlighting the alleged discharge of untreated sewage in the area.Sources close to the pollution control board said that they would take necessary steps to address the issue. “We have received the information from the CPCB. We will take action after a site inspection,” a pollution control board official told TOI.Meanwhile, a senior Technopark official who requested anonymity said that the STPs at Technopark Phase I as well as in Phase III are functioning well. “We are monitoring the operations of the STPs. We are not discharging any sewage waste into the canal. However, we will check if there are any such issues. If we receive any notice from the pollution control board, we will take necessary action accordingly,” the official said.
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