No sewage treatment plant, no electricity: What’s behind power cut threat to Kochi flats?

Residents in more than 70 apartment complexes across Kochi are gripped by anxiety after receiving notices from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) warning of power disconnection within a week. The action follows a directive from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), which cited failure to install mandatory Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in these buildings. The KSPCB move stems from orders issued by the Kerala High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to curb the discharge of untreated sewage into the city’s canals.

Which areas are affected?

The apartments are spread across key localities such as Kaloor, Vyttila, Kadavanthra, Elamakkara, Vennala, Edappally, Thevara, Panampilly Nagar, and others. Over 1,500 households—roughly 12,000 to 15,000 people—face the threat of losing electricity, adding to the confusion and unrest among residents, especially the elderly and ailing.

What are the residents saying?

Residents argue that installing STPs within a week is simply not practical. Most of the affected flats were built before 2010—when STPs were not mandatory—and many have structural limitations. Older buildings, often with little open space, would need to demolish existing structures to make room for STPs. Moreover, flat owners—many of them NRIs—face challenges in raising the funds quickly, particularly when many flats are rented out.

Have there been any efforts at compliance?

Resident associations claim they have been complying by directing sewage to common STPs operated by the Kerala Water Authority and the Greater Cochin Development Authority. Some apartments have even started STP construction, but completing the work could take months. The associations are now appealing for more time and support, pointing out that the builder liability has long expired and now the responsibility has fallen on residents.

What are officials saying?

While the KSPCB maintains that the directive is not new and notices were issued as early as 2021, residents allege they were never warned about electricity disconnection. Officials at the Kochi Corporation have confirmed action against over 120 violators for discharging untreated waste, and notices have been sent to cancel occupancy certificates of non-compliant buildings.

Is relief in sight?

The Kerala High Court has granted temporary relief, instructing the Pollution Control Board to allow reasonable time in genuine cases. Meanwhile, MLA T J Vinod has requested the Chief Minister’s urgent intervention, calling the seven-day deadline unfair. Residents remain hopeful for a practical solution that balances environmental responsibility with humane enforcement.