Kerala High Court Pushes Kochi Authorities To Clear Plastic Waste, Canal Debris; Fast-Track Pre-Monsoon Measures

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 expressed concern over the lack of preparedness for the upcoming monsoon in the city. Today, the amicus curiae informed the Court that the District Committee is actively involved in the Pre-monsoon works of the city, in compliance with the Court's previous directions.

Recording its appreciation, the Court commended the District Collector and the Committee for the efforts undertaken so far. However, it emphasized that with the monsoon season expected within the next two months, all necessary measures must be executed on a war footing to mitigate potential flooding.

"Record the commendation for the District Collector and the Committee for the work that they have stated to be done, but we.. remind that it has to be done on a war footing because monsoons are expected within two months." Court said. 

The Municipal Corporation, the Court noted, bears a critical responsibility in this process. Counsel for the Corporation submitted that authorities are fully cognizant of their obligations and are working in coordination with the District Collector.

On the issue of dumping of single-use plastic waste, the Court directed that immediate steps must be taken to avoid its very use.

With regard to the dredged debris from drains and canals, the Court said, "while Corporation is directed not to store the debris from canals and drains on the shores for more than a few hours because the excuse they normally give is that the water has to be drained before it can be removed. However this cannot give rise to the situation where the debris goes into the drain of the canal, thus exasperating the situation.”

The Standing Counsel for the Railways submitted that necessary remedial measures, in coordination with the District Collector's Committee, are underway with regard to the cleaning of Railway culverts and it will be completed within the prescribed timeframe. 

The Court has further stated orally that it will monitor the progress of the Pre-Monsoon works undertaken, during the Vacation. 

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