In a recent communication, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has further extended the deadline by six months for the mandatory installation of wastewater collection tanks on houseboats. The decision comes as part of an ongoing effort to support environmentally responsible tourism while recognizing logistical challenges in system development.
🧾 Key Highlights
- Reference: Guidelines No. KSPCB/927/2024-SEE-1 dated 28 April 2025
- Previous Extension: An initial six-month extension was already granted.
- Current Update: A further six-month extension is now approved, considering the progress of sullage (wastewater) collection, treatment, and disposal systems.
📄 Instructions Issued To:
The extension order, signed by the Chairperson of KSPCB, has been addressed to:
- Chief Environmental Engineers – Head Office and Regional Offices in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode
- Senior Environmental Engineers – District Offices of Kottayam and Wayanad
- Environmental Engineers – District Offices of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, both Ernakulam offices, Eloor Surveillance Centre, and offices across Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod
⚙️ Background
The original guidelines mandated houseboats to install tanks capable of collecting the entire wastewater generated onboard, a critical step to protect Kerala’s fragile backwater ecosystems from direct discharge and pollution.
However, given the practical and infrastructural limitations faced by stakeholders—especially the time and resources required to set up collection and treatment systems—KSPCB has opted to grant an additional six months.
🌿 Environmental Significance
The move aims to strike a balance between environmental protection and operational feasibility. It allows more time for the tourism and inland navigation sectors to comply with sustainable practices, particularly in ecologically sensitive districts like Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, which host a large number of houseboats.
🧭 Next Steps for Compliance
All field officers and regional units have been instructed to:
- Monitor the progress of installation of sullage systems.
- Facilitate guidance and technical support to houseboat operators.
- Ensure that no further discharge of untreated wastewater occurs into water bodies post the extended deadline.
✅ Conclusion
With this extension, KSPCB reiterates its commitment to eco-sensitive development and practical regulatory enforcement, supporting Kerala’s tourism economy while ensuring cleaner backwaters for future generations