Thu Feb 20 17:33:06 UTC 2025: ## Kochi Mullassery Canal Restoration Ordered Complete Within Three Months

**Kochi, Kerala – February 20, 2025** – The Kerala High Court has issued a stern ultimatum to complete the restoration work of the Mullassery Canal in Kochi within three months. Failure to do so will result in the summoning of the District Collector, the court warned.

The ruling comes in response to petitions highlighting the city’s persistent waterlogging during the monsoon season. With the monsoon season approaching in three months, the court stressed the urgency of the matter. While the State government pledged a concrete decision by the next court date, the court’s directive leaves little room for delay.

The court also demanded information regarding the removal of sediment buildup creating a temporary dam in the Periyar River at Vaduthala, hindering water flow. News reports suggesting the government’s consideration of using this sediment for the Thuravur-Paravur NH corridor prompted the court to include the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Director in the case. The court adjourned the matter until next week, suggesting the NHAI and the State government discuss the issue.

This legal intervention follows a January meeting chaired by Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar and attended by District Collector N.S.K. Umesh. This meeting, part of “Operation Breakthrough” aimed at resolving Kochi’s flooding issues, already issued an ultimatum to the Irrigation department to complete the Mullassery canal restoration by June. Despite the previous deadline and a three-year-long restoration effort, the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with the progress and directed the department to expedite the work.

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