Kochi Eviction Drive: Demolition of Compensated Homes Along Konthuruthy River Accelerates
The demolition of houses belonging to families who have already received compensation from the Kochi Corporation is proceeding at a rapid pace along the banks of the Konthuruthy river. This large-scale eviction and demolition operation is being executed in strict compliance with a directive from the Kerala High Court.
Legal Mandate and Ongoing Demolition
The demolition work, which commenced two days ago, is part of a court-ordered drive to clear encroachments. The action taken report will be formally presented before the High Court when the case is heard again on Wednesday. In a significant move last week, the Kochi Corporation disbursed the full compensation amount of Rs 14 lakh each to 88 families who agreed to relocate.
Resistance and Legal Challenges
However, the process faces legal hurdles. Seventeen families have approached the High Court, contesting the authorities' classification of them as encroachers and challenging the eviction order itself. Meanwhile, the physical condition of the riverside houses is described as pathetic, with repairs being nearly impossible due to a widespread lack of proper ownership documents.
Compensation and Relocation Hurdles
Former Konthuruthy councillor C K Peter provided insights into the practical challenges. "Some families who received the full compensation amount are yet to relocate as they have not secured rental accommodations. We are hopeful they will vacate by Tuesday," he stated. He further explained that beyond the 17 families in court, others are pending compensation because they have not produced legal heir certificates. These families will receive an initial installment of Rs 4 lakh, with the remaining balance to be paid by the Corporation upon submission of the required certificate.
Background of the High Court Order
The current drive stems from a High Court interim order issued in December 2025, which directed the eviction of 126 families residing on Poramboke (government) land along the river. The Kochi Corporation's appeal for more time to execute this order was firmly rejected by the court. The encroachments have had a severe environmental impact, reducing the river's original width of 48 meters to a mere five meters in several stretches, highlighting the urgency of the restoration effort.
The local body is now focused on completing the demolition where possible and preparing its compliance report for the upcoming court hearing, marking a critical phase in this contentious urban development and environmental rehabilitation project.
