Kozhikode in need of sewage plant

KOZHIKODE: If the city fails to act in tune with several court orders and directions from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on setting up a Sewage and Septage Treatment Plant (STP), the water bodies in and around the city will continue to be polluted with septic tank waste, according to environmental and developmental activists. The septic tanks of the city when got filled have been pumped out into tankers, which has been later drained out to water bodies and isolated spots.  The drinking water sources and drinking water from Kerala Water Authority supply network have high coliform bacteria presence.

It is to be recalled that the South Zone bench of the National Green Tribunal, Chennai had stayed the construction of the sewage treatment plant in 18.5 acres land at Kottooli. The state government had also withdrawn permission for the plant as the Wetland Protection Committee approa-ched High Court in 2013.  Later there were attempts to relocate the STP to the 2.6 acre land of Kerala Water Authority near Kottooli which also failed due to protest. Former mayor V.K.C. Mammadkoya MLA told DC that there is no other way for the local bodies but ensure sewage treatment plants in each local body.

"We cry aloud whenever there is septic tank waste in and around the city, but never go for solutions", he said. "In Brahmapuram near Kochi the plant is already functioning without any health hazards to public", he said, adding that Thiruvananthpuram also has septage treatment plants. Noted surface water scientist Dr E.J. James who is also former head of CWRDM told DC that the heads of local bodies are bound to install sewage treatment plants.    Kozhikode corporations standing committee chairperson (development) P.C. Rajan told DC that all procedural steps are on to sort out the issue. “We need good air, pure water and healthy environs, but not ready to accommodate a treatment plant anywhere in our vicinity,” he pointed out. "Last month too Mayor Thottathil Raveendran had gone to Chennai to appear before the tribunal", he said.