SHANAVAS S.N. Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This public interest petition seeks to highlight various issues regarding ground water in Kerala, such as contamination, unsustainable drawal, and the unregulated collection by tankers from unauthorized and substandard water-vending points causing serious health hazards.

(2.) By order dtd. 7/2/2025, Ms. Anjana Kannath, learned counsel, was appointed as Amicus Curiae. The learned Amicus Curiae has submitted a detailed note.

(3.) The Petitioner and the learned Amicus Curiae submit that, apart from various issues highlighted in the petition as regards Ernakulam District, one of the most thickly populated areas in the State, the water sources are affected by saline intrusion. Due to the scarcity and shortage of drinking water, the unhygienic supply of ground water poses a serious threat. They contend that due to the contamination of water, a number of waterborne diseases are reported in Ernakulam. They submit that this problem persists in varying degrees in other parts of Kerala as well.