The Kochi Corporation is actively considering a plan to relocate families living along the banks of the Konthuruthy Canal to vacant flats under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) in Fort Kochi. This move comes as a direct response to a directive from the High Court, which has instructed the local body to take immediate steps to rehabilitate residents so that the crucial widening of the canal to its original width can proceed.
Court Order and Delayed Action
The legal impetus for this rehabilitation traces back to 2020, when the court first ordered the district administration and the corporation to formulate a plan for relocating those residing on the canal shores. However, the local body failed to implement any concrete rehabilitation measures in the intervening years. The court's order specifically concerns 129 families whose homes are situated on the canal banks.
With the corporation's inaction persisting, a recent meeting convened by the Chief Secretary drafted a fresh proposal. This proposal outlined that each affected family should receive Rs 14 lakh to facilitate their move and the construction of their own house. However, the state government has communicated that it can only contribute Rs 9.25 lakh per family. This state share is broken down into Rs 5.25 lakh for land purchase and Rs 4 lakh for house construction within the corporation limits.
The Financial Hurdle and a New Solution
This funding gap leaves the Kochi Corporation responsible for mobilizing the remaining Rs 4.75 lakh per family. Collectively, this translates to a significant sum of approximately Rs 6 crore that the local body must find on its own. Mobilizing around Rs 6 crore independently is a major financial challenge for the corporation.
It is this substantial financial burden that has led the authorities to explore an alternative solution: rehabilitating the residents to the recently inaugurated RAY project flats in Fort Kochi, where several units are currently lying vacant. This option would potentially circumvent the need for the corporation to arrange the large cash payout.
Resident Apprehensions and Practical Concerns
However, the plan faces potential resistance from the very people it aims to help. There is considerable apprehension regarding whether the residents will agree to move into the flats. Konthuruthy former councillor C K Peter highlighted the community's concerns, stating that many are already weary of living in a densely populated cluster area and strongly desire independent houses.
He further pointed out a critical practical issue: "Moreover, most of them eke out a living by doing jobs in the city. So, shifting to Fort Kochi will be difficult for them." This geographical displacement could disrupt livelihoods and daily routines, making the proposed flats a less attractive option despite the pressing need for canal widening and their current vulnerable living conditions.
The Kochi Corporation now finds itself navigating a complex path between complying with a court order, managing severe financial constraints, and addressing the legitimate concerns of the 129 families whose lives are set to be upended by this necessary infrastructure project.
