HC orders setting up of waste treatment plants

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has issued an ultimatum to the State Government to identify land for setting up sewage treatment plants in all districts.“Land should be identified and notification should be issued before July 15. If not, the chief secretary and the environment secretary will have to appear before the court to explain why contempt of court action should not be initiated against them,” the court cautioned.The Division Bench comprising Justice C N Ramachandran Nair and Justice Bhabani Prasad Ray passed the order on a petition filed by Kochi-based advocate R Sudha, against discharging effluents to the Munnar, the Pampanar, the Periyar and the Chinnar from resorts, hotels and restaurants in and around Munnar.The court has also expressed dissatisfaction over the statement filed by the government explaining the steps taken so far.