NGT not satisfied with LSGD’s report on pollution impacting coastline of Fort Kochi in Kerala
The Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the secretary, Department of Local Self-Government to file a further report furnishing the details of the actions taken so
The Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the secretary, Department of Local Self-Government to file a further report furnishing the details of the actions taken so far on the pollution along the backwaters and coastal areas of Fort Kochi. The Southern Bench of the tribunal has said that an action taken report submitted by the department on July 16, 2026 is not complete as it does not specifically state the action plan for each of the authorities involved in the project. It also does not provide details of the action taken and also the measures that are under implementation as per the high-level meeting convened on January 14, 2026.
The secretary’s report has to include the action to be taken in the future, observed the tribunal comprising judicial member Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava. Long-term plan The department’s report had stated that it is considering a long-term Fort Kochi beach rejuvenation and beautification plan, incorporating sustainable tourism principles. The government is exploring the possibility of deploying mechanised and hand-operated sand cleaning machines to address sea-borne waste, algal deposits, and mixed debris, particularly during the monsoon season. Installation of steel bins and bottle booths at strategic locations including beach-entry points, walkways, vending zones, and tourist congregation areas is also under way, according to the action taken report on the impact of garbage pile-ups on the tourism potential of the Fort Kochi coastline.
The tribunal had earlier directed the Department of Local Self-Government, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, and the Ernakulam District Collector to file a report on the possibility of deploying modern equipment, including sea bins and amphibious waste removal systems, for the effective removal of floating debris from the backwaters and coastal waters. Coordination meetings The department stated that technical coordination meetings will be held involving experts from IITs/NITs, and officials of Cochin Port Trust, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, and District Tourism Promotion Council for carrying out feasibility studies and detailed planning on the proposed beach rejuvenation plan.
The representatives of Kochi Corporation said that they are pursuing multiple measures in compliance with the directive issued by the tribunal. It included site inspections and gap assessment of waste management and sanitation facilities at the Fort Kochi Beach. The focus is on improving existing waste management practices, sanitation infrastructure, cleanliness of public spaces and mechanisms for inter-departmental and stakeholder coordination.
The BriefWire