The Idukki District Collector has issued a stop memo to a plywood factory at Velliyamattom in Thodupuzha after chemical-laden water from the unit flowed into the Malankara Dam, polluting the reservoir.
Local residents first noticed the chemical residue floating in the dam water on Friday. Once alerted, Kerala Water Authority (KWA) officials suspended pumping operations for five drinking water schemes reliant on the reservoir.
Following a subsequent probe, authorities discovered that an oil leak from High Layer Wood Private Limited in Velliyamattom had spilled into the reservoir. Officials reported that the contamination severely disrupted drinking water distribution in the surrounding areas.
Based on the findings, Idukki District Collector V. Dineshan Cheruvatt issued a stop memo shutting down the factory under the Disaster Management Act, directing the district police chief and revenue officials to strictly enforce the order.
Given the gravity of the incident, the Kanjar police registered a case against the factory owners.
KWA Thodupuzha Executive Engineer Saji T. N. stated that pumping was halted immediately after chemical contamination was observed in the reservoir. “Pumping has been temporarily suspended for the Muttom and Kolapra drinking water projects. KWA conducted a chemical analysis of the water, which showed no major issues. The contaminated water has already flowed out of the dam. With heavy rainfall in the area and a high inflow of tailrace water from the Moolamattom power plant, we expect to resume pumping operations at the Malankara Dam by Sunday,” the official said.
Published – August 08, 2026 07:40 pm IST
