01-08-2025
KSEB issues disconnection notices to 71 apartment complexes in Kochi for not installing STPs
Kochi: Kerala state electricity board (KSEB) issued disconnection notices to 71 residential apartment complexes across city for failing to install sewage treatment plants (STPs) in compliance with Kerala state pollution control board (KSPCB) guidelines.
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The notice, which warns to cut off electricity to over 1,500 households within a week, sparked widespread concern among residents. Many say it is not practical for them to set up STPs in a short time period due to space and financial constraints.
Notices were issued to apartment complexes located in Kaloor, Elamakkara, Vennala, Vyttila, Kadavanthra, Chilavannoor, Panampilly Nagar, Padivattom, Edappally, Perumanoor, Pachalam, Kathrikadavu, Chembumukku, SRM Road, Ponekkara, Ponnurunni, Vaduthala, Thevara and South Chittoor areas.
It is learned that KSEB action is a follow-up of KSPCB issuing closure notices to the apartment complexes. As per KSPCB guideline, STPs are mandatory for all buildings constructed on plots exceeding 2,000 sq m.
KSPCB issued the directive following orders from National Green Tribunal (NGT) and high court directing authorities to curb illegal discharge of untreated water into canals in the city. In the first week of July, the board issued notices to "close down apartments and vacate the premises within 15 days of receipt of the notice in order to stop generation and discharge of liquid waste (sewage and sullage) from apartments to avoid further pollution".
The KSEB notice states that it is being issued as per Kerala Electricity Supply Code Regulation 138 (1) (e) and Regulation 139 (4), following the directive from KSPCB on July 23.
Meanwhile, representatives of various apartment associations pointed out that KSPCB issued a circular on April 22, 2010, making it mandatory for apartment projects above 2,000 sq m to provide STPs. Many apartments that the builder handed over before that period were without STPs, and there are space limitations in old apartments to construct STPs now.
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"Most of the apartments which have no STPs are giving effluents to licensed tankers, and they are treated in PCB-approved two common STPs owned and operated by KWA and GCDA. It is not practical for apartment associations to set up STPs in a short period of one or two months. We agree with the PCB demand. But many apartments are struggling due to lack of space and the huge amount needed to set up STPs," said Consortium of Flat and Villa Owners Association, Kerala (COFVOAK) chairman Saju Abraham.
He also added that KSEB has no legal right to cut off individual electricity connections and the association will approach chief minister demanding a solution for the issue.
It was on Thursday morning that Malabar Gate residents' association secretary Vimal Gopinathan received the notice from KSEB. "We have contacted KSEB and PCB officials. But they are helpless as it was a directive from high court and NGT. Only 20 families are residing here.
But we have no space to set up STP," he said.
Meanwhile, Thomas Kadavan, a resident of Kent Illam apartment complex in Vennala, said the apartment complex, which has 114 units including 12 villas, received notice three days ago and people are hopeful that authorities will find an alternate solution. "KWA's STP at Elamkulam and GCDA's STP at Kaloor are underutilized. In addition to this, a major common STP project is coming up under IURWTS project of KMRL.
That can be used for apartments in future.
So, as a temporary solution, apartments not having STPs can give an undertaking to PCB that effluents will be given for treatment only in PCB-approved STPs of KWA and GCDA," he said.
Meanwhile, KSEB authorities have informed that they will go ahead with the procedures as per the directive from PCB.
