Varkala Cliff Faces Severe Sewage Crisis from Restaurants and Resorts
Unchecked discharge of sewage from restaurants and resorts operating along the Varkala cliff has emerged as a serious public health and environmental concern, with residents alleging that violations have become widespread and routine. According to locals, several establishments on the cliff top allegedly pump out sewage during night hours through pipes laid directly downhill towards the shore.
Health Risks and Environmental Damage
The waste reportedly accumulates along the main beach before mixing with seawater, leading to a foul odour and raising concerns about possible skin infections among tourists and locals who bathe in the sea. Residents said sewage flowing down the slope settles at specific points on the beach, creating hazardous conditions.
Cleaning workers are frequently deployed to the affected areas, and bleaching powder is spread to contain the stench. However, they said the measures provide only temporary relief, as the underlying issue persists. Large stretches of the beach have reportedly become unpleasant for visitors, significantly affecting tourism in the area.
Compounding Factors and Municipal Response
An official of Varkala municipality stated that the issue is compounded by indiscriminate dumping of solid waste, including plastic, along the slopes, which has not been effectively curbed. The absence of a dedicated sewage treatment facility for the cliff area has aggravated the situation, particularly in the North Cliff region that houses several resorts and restaurants.
Sources revealed that some establishments allegedly avoid the high cost of periodic septic tank cleaning by installing illegal pipelines to discharge waste downhill. In response, municipality chairperson Geetha Hemachandran announced that inspections would be stepped up in the coming days.
"Inspections will be conducted at resorts and restaurants operating near the cliff and strict action will be taken if any violation related to waste disposal is found," she said. She added that several surveillance cameras installed in the area by the tourism department had been damaged or stolen, but new cameras would be installed to monitor waste dumping and identify violators.
This ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions to protect both public health and the local tourism economy.
