Kochi apartment owners panic over KSEB power disconnection notice for lack of STP, blame PCB

Kochi: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has issued power disconnection notices to 71 apartment complexes in Kochi for failing to install sewage treatment plants (STPs) as mandated by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). The move follows High Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives to curb the discharge of untreated sewage into city canals.

The affected buildings, located in areas including Kaloor, Vennala, Vyttila, Elamakkara, Edappally, Thevara, Kadavanthra, Panampilly Nagar, Kathrikadavu and Pachalam, have been given a week's time to comply or face disconnection. The move is likely to affect approximately 12,000-15,000 people who are the residents of these apartments.

Earlier, the KSPCB had issued closure notices to several of these apartments, directing residents to vacate within 15 days to prevent environmental violations.

Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod has written to the Chief Minister, urging intervention. “Power disconnection would lead to a crisis, especially for elderly and ailing residents. While STPs are essential, expecting them to be installed in just seven days is impractical. It would require a magic wand,” Vinod said. He criticised the implementation process, pointing out that the Pollution Control Board has not issued a list of authorised agencies for STP installation. “Some residents have already begun the work, but it could take up to a year to complete,” he noted.

The MLA also highlighted that many of the affected flats were constructed before current rules came into force and were sold on the basis of valid occupancy certificates. “Evicting residents without offering alternatives is unjust,” he added.

The Kerala Consortium of Flat and Villa Owners Association (COFVOAK) welcomed the move to install STPs as a progressive step but called for more time and clarity. “There are three culprits behind this issue: the builders who overlooked the requirement, the municipality that issued occupancy certificates without checks, and the PCB, which remained silent for years,” said COFVOAK chairman Abhraham Joseph.

“We are taking the court order positively, but all we ask for is time. We have sought additional time from the court and also requested guidance on suitable technology, especially since many apartments—and their residents—are old,” he told Onmanorama.

The High Court has now granted interim relief by directing the PCB to provide a reasonable time to genuine cases for STP installation. However, COFVOAK raised concerns of selective enforcement. “Why target only apartment complexes? Many government quarters, like NGO quarters, police quarters, and even the Government Guest House near the High Court, lack STPs. Does the Kochi Corporation office or the PCB and KSEB guest houses have functioning STPs?” the association questioned.

Responding to criticisms, KSPCB chairperson Sreekala S said the claim of inadequate time is unfounded. “This is not a new directive. The first notice was issued in 2021. Ample time has been given,” she stated, adding that she would refrain from further comments since the matter is before the court.

Earlier, a lack of clarity in building rules regarding the condition of STP in apartment complexes had always been a bone of contention between the builders and the civic bodies. The civic bodies had denied occupancy certificates to real estate projects, demanding consent to operate STP from the PCB. However, the builders had cited that the building rules did not include any such condition. In 2024, following the direction of the National Green Tribunal, the PCB conducted an inspection in the establishments and industries located near the Kadambrayar river. Later, a letter was issued to the panchayats for providing details of buildings for residential purposes having an area greater than 2000 sq.m and effluent generation greater than 50KLD, and to obtain consent from the board for operating these buildings.

In response, Abraham Joseph questioned the timing of enforcement. “If PCB sent the notice in 2021, why did they wait till the last minute? No prior warning was issued about electricity disconnection,” he said. He also alleged an “unholy nexus” between PCB officials and certain contractors. “The PCB is neglecting many of its core responsibilities. Look at the state of Edachirathodu as an example.”

He further pointed out that builder liability usually ends 12 years after construction, leaving flat owners and associations to deal with compliance. “The PCB fails even at conducting routine inspections,” he added.