The analysis of water samples collected from three points along the Kadambrayar river in Ernakulam, Keralam, by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board on August 29, 2026 has revealed high levels of pollution.

The presence of total coliform and faecal coliform was detected in all the samples. The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 5 mg/l as prescribed under the primary water quality criteria for bathing water was not achieved at any of the monitored locations that included Manakkakadavu, Brahmapuram and duck view point along the river stretch.

The Biological Oxygen demand (BOD), a proxy for organic matter dissolved in water with a low number indicating a healthy river, exceeded the permissible limit of 3 mg/l in outdoor bathing water at the sampling point in Manakkakadavu.

The elevated BOD levels, microbiological contamination and lower dissolved oxygen collectively indicated organic matter and potential sewage contamination in the river, according to the results of the tests conducted at the central lab of the board in Ernakulam between August 29, 2026 and September 5, 2026.

The findings have been included in the report submitted by the board before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the case related to the pollution of the Kadambrayar river on September 9, 2026. The Southern Bench had asked the authorities to initiate immediate remedial measures after it took cognisance of the report titled ‘No respite from faecal contamination in Kadambrayar river in Ernakulam district’ published in The Hindu.

Officials of the board said the discharge of untreated sewage had resulted in the spike in total coliform levels along the sampling points. “The gaps in treatment of sewage as per the norms have to be addressed. We have issued required directions to the local bodies along the banks of the river to initiate stringent action against those responsible for the pollution of the river,” they said.

Remedial measures sought

Senior officials of the Department of Local Self-Government pointed that that the local bodies that included Kochi Corporation, Thrikkakara municipality and the Edathala, Kunnathunadu and Kizhakkambalam grama panchayats have been told to carry out remedial measures as per the recommendations included in the Kadambrayar River Action Plan.

Besides imposing penalty on the violators, the civic bodies have been told to address the shortcomings in the treatment of wastewater in residential and commercial units located close to the banks of the river, they said.