Helena Joyce
Kerala's rivers are facing a growing threat from pollution, with a study finding that Pamba, Periyar, Karamana, Kallayi, Valapattanam, and Meenachil are the most polluted. The pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including sewage inflows, industrial effluents, solid waste, and agricultural runoff. The problem is exacerbated during the summer months when low water levels and high temperatures decrease oxygen availability, leading to fish kills. Kallai River in Kozhikode, Kerala, was named the most polluted river in 2023 due to industrial waste and encroachment issues. The state's rivers are also impacted by urbanization, changing land use patterns, and the use of excess chemical fertilizers. To address the issue, various stakeholders are working on river action plans to rejuvenate the rivers and prevent further degradation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most polluted river | Kallai River |
| Reason for Kallai River's pollution | Industrial waste, encroachment issues, discharge of pollutants from drainage systems, solid waste dumping on banks, silt accumulation |
| Other polluted rivers | Pamba, Periyar, Karamana, Kallayi, Valapattanam, Meenachil |
| Reason for pollution in other rivers | Sewage inflows, industrial effluents, solid waste, urbanization, chemical fertilizers, unscientific waste disposal |
| Effects of pollution | Fish kills, high E. coli content, unfit for drinking |
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What You'll Learn
Industrial waste and encroachment issues
Kerala's rivers are formed by streams originating from the Western Ghats. These streams are influenced by both the quality and quantity of water available in the state. When these streams reach densely populated areas, they become polluted. For a river to remain unpolluted, its tributaries and streams must be free of pollutants.
The Periyar River, the fifth-longest river in the state, is a prime example of industrial pollution. The river's natural summer flow has reduced significantly due to the destruction of upstream catchment areas. According to Purushan Eloor, who has been fighting for the river's protection for 34 years, the Eloor-Edayar belt, with over 285 industrial companies, is the most polluted stretch. Many of these companies deal with hazardous waste and discharge raw, treated, or partially treated effluents directly into the river.
The Bharathapuzha River, a source of drinking water for several districts, faces similar issues. Domestic and industrial waste from various regions is directly discharged into the river, altering its ecosystem. Industrial waste, when not properly treated, can introduce hazardous substances into the water, endangering both the environment and human health.
River encroachment is another pressing issue in Kerala. Encroachments on riverbanks and waterways have been identified, but removing them has proven challenging. For example, in Manjumala village along the Periyar River, 500 families reside in an encroached area, and no action has been taken. In some cases, cash crops like sugarcane are cultivated on riverbeds, threatening effective water management and the river's very existence.
The slow pace of eviction is attributed to pressure from local bodies, political interference, and official negligence. Environmental activists and concerned citizens call for urgent action to address river pollution and encroachment, as these issues pose a serious threat to Kerala's water resources and the environment.
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Lack of solid waste management
Kerala's rivers are choked with sewage inflows, industrial effluents, and solid waste. A study found that Pamba, Periyar, Karamana, Kallayi, Valapattanam, and Meenachil were the most polluted rivers in the state. Solid waste has been found in almost all rivers, along with untreated sewage and industrial effluents.
One of the biggest challenges in municipal solid waste management in Kerala is the absence of reliable data on aspects such as waste generated and composition. Official data suggests that annual municipal solid waste generation in the state has remained stagnant at 3.17 million tonnes since 2017, despite Kerala's rapid urban growth and evolving lifestyles and consumption patterns. However, daily waste generation figures vary across reports. An audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in 2022 found that none of the audited urban local bodies performed the scientific surveys mandated by the Solid Waste Management Manual 2020.
The state also lacks a comprehensive e-waste management plan and facilities for safely managing e-waste. Scrap dealers play a huge role in managing non-biodegradable waste, but they are not regulated adequately. As a result, unauthorized transportation and dumping of e-waste have been reported.
The lack of proper waste treatment facilities has led to most of the waste being dumped in any available location, such as open spaces, water bodies, or burned in the open, leading to air pollution. Open dumping has been found to create environmental problems due to air pollution, bad smells, the presence of insects and rodents, and potential groundwater contamination.
The Kerala government has initiated several measures to improve waste management, such as the 'Clean Kerala Mission', which aims to create a clean and green state by implementing a zero-waste model. Under this mission, waste is segregated at the source and treated using sustainable methods. The government has also introduced strict regulations on plastic waste management, prohibiting the use of single-use plastic bags and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
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Urbanisation and unscientific waste disposal
Kerala is facing a challenge due to the high pace of urbanisation and its impact on the environment and ecosystems. The state has a high population density, and as urbanisation continues, providing safe drinking water to its people is becoming increasingly difficult. The demand for water is ever-increasing, and the sources are often located far away. This has resulted in a lack of universal accessibility to drinking water, an ineffective distribution of water supply, and deprivation among the people.
The quality of water in Kerala's rivers, ponds, wells, and supplies by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is deteriorating. The KWA conducts physical, chemical, and bacterial tests at 131 locations at the major rivers in Kerala, but despite this, the water supplied has been linked to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases like Hepatitis A and Cholera.
The primary source of pollution in urban regions is untreated industrial and domestic wastewater. Industries discharge hazardous pollutants like phosphates, sulphides, ammonia, fluorides, heavy metals, and insecticides into the rivers. A study by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment estimated that nearly 260 million litres of industrial effluents reach the Periyar estuary daily from the Kochi industrial belt. Rivers such as Chalakudy, Muvattupuzha, Meenachil, Pamba, and Achenkovil are highly polluted with bacteriological contamination.
The unscientific disposal of waste is a major contributor to water pollution in Kerala. Both biological and non-biological wastes are dumped in open areas and water bodies, resulting in the growth of pathogens like E. coli and other disease-causing microbes in wells and rivers. Septic tanks are often located too close to wells, and septage waste is illegally dumped at night.
The high population density and rapid urbanisation in Kerala are putting a strain on water resources, and the mismanagement, wastage, and inefficient use of water are further exacerbating the problem. The pollution of rivers in Kerala is a complex issue influenced by various factors, and it will require a comprehensive approach to address it effectively.
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Inflow of fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural lands
Kerala's rivers are facing a crisis, with pollution choking these waterways. One of the contributing factors to this issue is the inflow of fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural lands.
Agricultural practices in Kerala have historically involved the use of fertilizers and pesticides. For instance, in the Kuttanad wetland, the northern part has been reclaimed for paddy cultivation, and this has led to a unique ecosystem. While Pokkali rice grown in this region is naturally organic as the fields are highly fertile and pest-resistant, other areas of paddy cultivation in Kerala use fertilizers and pesticides. Prawn excreta are used as a natural fertilizer for rice cultivation in some areas, and this integrated rice-shrimp/prawn farming is practiced in Kuttanad, Pokkali, Kole, and Kaipad areas. However, in other instances, chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used, and this has consequences for the environment.
The use of fertilizers and pesticides in Kerala's agricultural lands has resulted in pollution when these chemicals are discharged into water bodies. The indiscriminate application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been identified as one of the secondary issues affecting the state's environmental cleanliness. The discharge of fertilizer and pesticide residues from agricultural activities into water bodies has been specifically mentioned as a contributing factor to water pollution.
The low-lying areas of Kerala, situated below sea level, face serious problems with waterlogging. About 25% of the total paddy lands in the state are waterlogged, and this has disrupted the balance of inflow and outflow of water. The unscientific management of soil, water, and crops in irrigated lands, along with the obstruction of natural drainage systems, has led to water stagnation. This, in turn, causes incessant weed growth and eutrophication issues.
The increased pressure on land for accelerated production has also led to the deterioration of soil quality and soil pollution. The overuse of fertilizers reduces the intrinsic productivity of the soil, and the high consumption of fertilizer nutrients in Kerala indicates the possibility of soil pollution. The high value of output from agriculture per unit of land in Kerala renders the cost of land degradation high in the state.
To address the issue of river pollution caused by agricultural runoff, it is crucial to implement sustainable farming practices that minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By adopting more organic approaches, such as integrated rice-shrimp/prawn farming, Kerala can reduce the inflow of fertilizers and pesticides into its rivers, contributing to the restoration and protection of these vital waterways.
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Poor river protection initiatives
Kerala's rivers are facing a serious threat from pollution, with a study finding that Pamba, Periyar, Karamana, Kallayi, Valapattanam, and Meenachil are the most polluted. The poor state of the rivers can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including urbanization, sewage inflows, industrial effluents, and solid waste. The lack of effective river protection initiatives has exacerbated the problem, allowing these pollutants to contaminate the water bodies.
One of the key issues contributing to river pollution in Kerala is the lack of proper waste management systems. Urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to an increase in solid waste, which often ends up in the rivers. In addition, the use of excess chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices has further contaminated the water. The rivers, including the Pamba, are also suffering from the effects of drought, with reduced water flow impacting their natural cleansing capacity.
The Periyar River, the state's longest river and a crucial source of drinking water, is facing severe pollution. The river receives civic effluents from multiple townships, as well as hazardous pollutants from industrial units built along its banks. Despite efforts from local residents and environmental activists to combat pollution, such as the formation of the Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi, the situation remains dire. The river continues to battle the discharge of raw, treated, or partially treated effluents, with over 48 industries releasing waste directly into the river.
The Pamba River, an important cultural and religious site, is also facing a similar fate. The river has dried up in some places and declined into a stream in others due to drought and insufficient river protection measures. High levels of ammonium nitrogen from human waste further threaten water quality. While the Kerala government has implemented initiatives such as providing toilet facilities for pilgrims and setting up wastewater treatment plants, illegal constructions along the river banks persist, and awareness-raising activities and proper waste management remain crucial.
The state's river protection initiatives have been inadequate, and the rivers continue to suffer from various forms of pollution. The lack of proper sewage treatment facilities, ineffective wastewater management, and unauthorized industrial effluent pipes all contribute to the deteriorating health of Kerala's rivers. The need for urgent action to regulate and control the pollution of these vital water bodies is evident.
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Frequently asked questions
River pollution in Kerala is caused by a combination of factors, including industrial waste, sewage inflows, solid waste, and agricultural runoff. Urbanisation, changes in land use patterns, and unscientific waste disposal systems also contribute to the problem.
The Kallai River in Kozhikode, Kerala, has been named the most polluted river in the state due to industrial waste and encroachment issues.
Various organisations are working to address river pollution in Kerala. For example, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) and the Forest Department are working to mitigate habitat loss and have carried out pond conservation projects. The Kerala Forest Department is also considering introducing solar boats to minimise pollution. Additionally, river protection is a major component of the Haritha Keralam mission, which aims to use data to clean up rivers.
