Floods in 2018 exposed Kochi’s fragility: Kerala HC directs panel to monitor city's drainage system

Kochi: The Kerala High Court recently issued comprehensive directions for the upkeep of Kochi’s canals and drainage system, while affirming the role of a high-level committee set up earlier to oversee the work.

Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that the 2018 floods were a “turning point” that exposed the fragility of Kochi’s drainage infrastructure. “It was an eye-opener, but also a lesson that proper maintenance and decongestion of canals could mitigate inundation,” the Court said.

The case, pending since 2018, began with concerns over the Perandoor Canal, where unchecked waste dumping, water hyacinth growth, and lack of maintenance were blamed for repeated flooding. The Court noted that the high-level committee, created through earlier interim orders, had significantly reduced flood damage in Kochi.

Reiterating its mandate, the Court directed the committee to continue functioning, meet regularly, and file monthly reports. It will oversee dredging of the Perandoor Canal, reconstruction of culverts by Indian Railways, completion of works under “Operation Breakthrough,” and preparation of an annual cleaning calendar for all major canals and drains.

The Court expressed concern that garbage dumping continues despite prohibitory orders, pointing out that eateries along MG Road were still disposing of waste into drains. “Such conduct is perplexing,” it said, stressing that public responsibility must complement official efforts.

Flagging issues relating to slaughterhouses and pollution control, the Court left compliance to the committee, while retaining judicial oversight through periodic assessment of its reports. “The goal has not yet been fully achieved,” it noted, calling for constant vigilance and timely dredging to prevent inundation.
(With LiveLaw inputs)