Thu Dec 12 20:02:05 UTC 2024: ## Kochi Island Residents Protest Frequent Flooding, Accuse Development Authority of Inaction

**KOCHI, December 13, 2024** – Residents of Thanthonnithuruthu island near Kochi staged a protest on Thursday, demanding immediate action to address the persistent flooding affecting their homes. The residents, approximately 60 families, virtually besieged the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) office, holding the authority responsible for their plight.

The island is frequently inundated, forcing residents to manually drain water from their homes after each high tide. Ambas P.P., secretary of a newly formed residents’ association, described the situation as “extremely worse” and unsustainable. He stated that the problem has significantly worsened in the last two months.

While the Kerala state government reportedly sanctioned ₹9.5 crore (approximately $1.15 million USD) twelve years ago for flood mitigation projects, including raising low-lying areas and constructing an outer bund, residents allege that GIDA’s inaction has stalled these projects. They claim that the authority is using the lack of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance as an excuse to avoid undertaking the necessary work.

Minister P. Rajeeve announced a high-level meeting to address the issue, but confirmed that CRZ permission for the outer bund is currently pending. Residents, however, suspect a conspiracy to evict them from the island for development purposes, citing GIDA’s prolonged inaction as evidence. The protest highlights the urgent need for flood protection measures on Thanthonnithuruthu and the frustration of residents facing repeated inundation.

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