Tests carried out in July 2026 by the School of Environmental Studies at Mahatma Gandhi University found two soil samples collected on the eastern side of the former mill’s plot contained 2,520 and 1,520 microplastic particles per kilogram, respectively. The samples were taken at distances of roughly four metres and ten metres from the Periyar Riverbank and showed the particles to be fibres, films and foams.
The sampling was ordered by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board after the National Green Tribunal directed authorities to begin a remediation process at the site of the now‑defunct Sreesakthi Paper Mills, which was shut down in 2016 following findings that it had discharged untreated effluents into the river.
The industrial unit, originally spread over 8.75 acres, had allocated about 81 cents of its land for dumping plastic waste and incinerator ash generated during paper production. After closure, the premises were repurposed as a warehousing facility under a new company name.
Kerala Pollution Control Board officials in Ernakulam said a formal letter has been sent to the current management requesting a detailed proposal to prevent further intrusion and migration of plastic waste into the Periyar River. A senior company representative confirmed the firm will comply, stating that sheet piling will be installed along the river‑adjacent land as part of the remediation effort.
Environmental groups warn that the identified microplastic load poses a risk of contaminating the river ecosystem, potentially affecting aquatic life and downstream water quality. The board’s directive aims to contain the pollution source while further monitoring and cleanup actions are planned.