The Kozhikode Corporation is facing renewed protests over its proposed Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at West Hill, reigniting debates on urban sanitation versus community rights in this Kerala city. This controversy builds on years of resistance to similar projects, highlighting tensions between infrastructure development and local concerns.
Kozhikode Corporation initially planned STPs at Kothi and Avikkal Thodu under the AMRUT scheme, but fierce local opposition halted progress due to fears of health hazards and environmental damage in densely populated areas. In July 2024, the civic body decided to consolidate these into a single facility at its West Hill industrial estate plot, aiming to address prior issues like population density and pollution. The shift followed interventions by District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh and came after contractor Seemak Hitech Products withdrew, prompting a fresh tender and detailed project report. Recent government orders, such as G.O.(Rt)No.2787/2025/LSGD, have approved administrative sanctions for the ‘Sewerage System for Zone A’ including the West Hill STP.
Protests erupted as early as 2014, escalating in 2022 with violent clashes at Kothi and Avikkal Thodu, where residents blocked roads, faced police action, and cited risks like foul odors and water contamination akin to issues at Njeliyanaprambu dump yard. The Kerala High Court and National Green Tribunal got involved, stalling construction and forcing site reconsiderations. Opposition leader K.C. Shobhita has repeatedly criticized site choices, while groups demanded withdrawal of cases against protesters after location changes. Even at West Hill, past incidents like a 2023 waste plant fire fueled conspiracy allegations against the corporation.
As of May 2026, backlash brews in West Hill division (Ward 73) against the STP, with locals protesting over potential caste rights violations and environmental impacts in the industrial area. This echoes earlier demands for alternative sites, despite the corporation’s view that West Hill suits better due to lower residential density. Protesters urge rethinking, similar to compact STP purchases planned in 2025 for space-constrained areas, amid ongoing all-party meetings to resolve disputes. The project remains vital for Kozhikode’s sewage management under AMRUT phases.
The corporation defends STPs as essential for urban rejuvenation, planning compact units via GEM portal and involving Kerala Water Authority for DPRs where possible. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed has expressed openness to site tweaks based on public input and expert suggestions. With fresh tenders and sanctions in place, the body eyes AMRUT-2 funding to push ahead, but success hinges on pacifying protesters through dialogues like recent collector-led meetings. This saga reflects Kerala’s broader challenge in balancing growth with grassroots voices.