Kochi Corporation Seeks Poll Code Exemption for Konthuruthy Canal Evictions

Keralam: With only weeks remaining before the scheduled eviction of residents along the Konthuruthy Canal, the Kochi Corporation has sought an exemption from the Model Code of Conduct currently in force due to the upcoming assembly elections, in order to proceed with the long-delayed project.

The move follows a directive issued by the Kerala High Court in December last year, instructing both the corporation and the state government to clear encroachments along the canal and evict 129 families within a four-month timeframe.

Mayor V K Minimol confirmed that preliminary steps toward rehabilitation have already been initiated. “Given the limited time available, we have approached both the Election Commission and the High Court seeking permission to proceed with compensation disbursal and project implementation. Registered notices will also be issued to residents as part of the next phase,” she stated.

As per the court’s directive, eviction proceedings were to be completed by April 14. The mayor added that verification of beneficiary certificates must be concluded before compensation can be released.

The case dates back to 2012, when a complaint filed by K J Tomy highlighted large-scale encroachments on puramboke land along the canal. Originally spanning 48 metres in width, the canal has significantly narrowed over the years due to unauthorized occupation, contributing to recurring flooding and environmental degradation.

In a recent effort to accelerate the project, the corporation council approved a total allocation of ₹16.38 crore. This includes ₹11.83 crore drawn from the corporation’s plan fund and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), along with an additional ₹4.54 crore from its own resources. The corporation secretary has been tasked with overseeing the compensation process.

Officials indicated that while residents have expressed willingness to vacate, procedural constraints imposed by the Model Code of Conduct necessitate clearance from the Election Commission. “Appropriate steps will be taken at the earliest, subject to approvals from both the court and the Commission,” a senior official noted.

The council has set a revised target to complete the eviction process by May, followed by expedited restoration work on the canal.

Earlier, the state government had informed the court that ₹24.83 crore had been earmarked for rehabilitation, translating to ₹14 lakh per family. However, the revised offer now stands at ₹9.25 lakh per family, a reduction that has further complicated and delayed implementation.

The Konthuruthy canal rejuvenation forms part of the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project, which aims to widen and restore the approximately 0.65-kilometre stretch to mitigate flooding risks and enhance the urban environment.