Kerala High Court Seeks Detailed Status Report On Flood-Mitigation Measures In Kochi

Justice Devan Ramachandran was considering the review petition in a petition concerning the upkeep of Perandoor Canal.

The Court had earlier, in its judgment, directed the District Collector's Committee to oversee the city's canal and drainage system. It had also directed the Committee to create a drainage map of the city through scientific methods.

During the last hearing, the Court had directed the District Collector's Committee and the Municipal Corporation to complete the Pre-Monsoon works in the Kochi city in war-footing.

The court observed that the first spell of the monsoon could only be viewed as a trailer.

The court recorded submissions by amici curiae Sunilkumar and Govind Padmanabhan, who informed the Court that the Kochi Corporation had undertaken cleaning activities ahead of the monsoon. Although the work had not been carried out to the extent required, they noted that large-scale flooding had not been reported so far, except in some low-lying areas.

The Court noted that the cleaning work on the Mullassery Canal, one of the hotspots for flood management, is incomplete. The Senior Government Pleader Amminikutty informed the court that difficulties had arisen with the previous contractor, whose contract was terminated. A new contractor has since been appointed, and the State sought additional time to complete and report progress on the project.

The court also examined the condition of railway culverts across city canals. The Counsel for the Railways, submitted that cleaning operations had been initiated and had been completed with assistance from Corporation authorities.

However, the amici curiae brought to the attention of the court that repeated cleaning alone would not solve the recurring problem of debris accumulation inside culverts. They suggested installing non-corrosive mesh structures at suitable distances from the culverts to intercept floating waste before it reaches and blocks the drainage channels.

The Court directed the District Collector's Committee, constituted by the Court's earlier directions, to discuss the matter and work towards a practical solution in coordination with railway authorities.

The court also identified the Perandoor Canal and other canals in the city as another major area of concern. It noted that the extent of flooding during the monsoon would depend significantly on whether these waterways are adequately cleaned and maintained.

The amici curiae informed the court that many of the canals fall under the jurisdiction of the Minor Irrigation Department, although cleaning work is currently being undertaken by the Corporation. They suggested that directions may be required to ensure sustained maintenance through coordination among the relevant authorities.

The court also took note of complaints relating to flooding issues in Indira Nagar, Kadavanthra, observing that the matter would require intervention and cooperation among multiple departments, including the Corporation and Irrigation Department.

The Court further highlighted persistent drainage issues at a major junction near the intersection of M.G. Road and Banerjee Road, where drainage outlets are reportedly blocked for much of the time.

While temporary measures, including the deployment of motor pumps, have been put in place, the court observed that these arrangements have rendered the pedestrian pathway in the area virtually unusable.

“Kochi being proclaimed as a Smart City cannot afford to have such a scenario,” the court remarked.

Another area identified as problematic was the vicinity of the KSRTC Bus Stand, where commuters continue to face difficulties due to waterlogging and drainage-related issues.

“Learned amici curiae says that this issue is generally on account of the tidal activity in the Vivekananda thodu and hence it will have to be kept in the best conditions at all times.” the Court recorded.

Acknowledging that the Corporation had undertaken some preparatory work this year, the court stated that it would not be satisfied unless future incidents of inundation are effectively prevented.

Accordingly, the court directed the District Collector's Committee to file a detailed report specifically making available the progress of ongoing flood-mitigation and drainage works; future infrastructure and maintenance requirements; Measures being adopted to address identified problem areas.

The court also directed that the amici curiae be involved in the process to ensure an accurate assessment of the situation.

The matter has been posted for further consideration next Thursday.

Case Title: Treasa K.J v State of Kerala

Case No: RP 165/ 2026 in WP(C) 23911/ 2018

Counsel for the Petitioner: Dr. K P Pradeep, T T Biju, K P Kesavan Nair, Neena Arimboor, Sanand Ramakrishnan, T Thasmi

Amici Curiae: Sunil Jacob Jose, A G Sunil Kumar , Govind Padmanabhan