Fri May 23 20:49:16 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Kerala High Court has sharply criticized the Kochi Corporation for the slow pace of pre-monsoon desilting work on canals and drains. The court expressed its frustration after reviewing a status report indicating that desilting was far from complete, leading to concerns about wasted public funds and potential flooding during the upcoming monsoon season. The court highlighted specific examples where minimal or no work had been completed despite allocated funds. They demanded immediate action and accountability from responsible officials. The court also addressed footpath restoration work on MG Road, demanding its timely completion.

**News Article:**

**Kerala High Court Slams Kochi Corporation Over Sluggish Pre-Monsoon Preparations**

**KOCHI, May 24, 2025** – The Kerala High Court has issued a scathing rebuke of the Kochi Corporation over the alarmingly slow progress of vital pre-monsoon works, particularly the desilting of canals and drains intended to prevent widespread waterlogging in the city.

During a hearing, the court reviewed a status report revealing that desilting efforts remained significantly incomplete across most areas. In many locations, progress was reportedly limited to just 30%, prompting strong condemnation from the bench.

“The money has also gone down the drain. Of course, it flows not into the Arabian Sea, but into somebody’s pocket,” the court remarked, suggesting the Corporation was essentially wasting public funds by undertaking these crucial tasks so close to the monsoon season. The court emphasized that desilting should have been completed by May 15.

The court specifically pointed to instances such as Vyttila, where ₹7.44 lakh had been allocated for desilting small drains, yet no work had been carried out. Similarly, only 20% to 40% of the planned work had been completed in Fort Kochi.

The High Court has directed the Kochi Corporation to expedite the remaining works on a “war footing” and to submit a further report by Thursday, May 29th. The court warned that every concerned official would be held accountable should the city experience flooding this monsoon season.

In related news, the Public Works Department informed the court that footpath restoration on MG Road is slated for completion by June 30th. The court stressed the importance of this restoration and made it clear that no excuses for delays would be tolerated.

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