Human rights commission directs action against resorts discharging sewage into AVM canal

Thiruvananthapuram: State human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas instructed Kulathoor grama panchayat secretary to take strong action against resorts in Neyyattinkara discharging sewage into Anantha Victoria Marthandam (AVM) canal. SHRC issued the directive following a complaint filed by V Anu.Following this, panchayat secretary submitted a report. It stated that after the canal water changed colour and emitted a foul odour and fish deaths were reported, panchayat directed resort owners to present their sewage treatment plant plans and sketches. They also warned owners that licences would be cancelled if documents were not submitted. The report stated that panchayat currently lacked technical facilities needed for inspecting solid waste management activities. Therefore, letters were sent to Pollution Control Board and Suchitwa Mission to inspect waste management activities at resorts and to identify and act against establishments discharging waste into the river. The complainant had informed the commission that sewage from resorts was discharged into the canal during sluice gate opening.