Sat Jan 03 10:37:05 UTC 2026: News Article:

Kochi Corporation Faces Urgent Task: Eviction and Rehabilitation of Encroachers on Konthuruthy Riverbank

KOCHI, January 3, 2026 – The newly formed governing committee of the Kochi Corporation is facing a significant challenge: to evict encroachers from the Konthuruthy river poramboke land and ensure their rehabilitation within a strict four-month deadline mandated by the High Court.

The High Court’s interim order, dated December 16, 2025, directs the eviction with police assistance. Responsibility for finalizing and implementing rehabilitation measures falls on the Kochi Corporation and the Revenue department.

A meeting convened by the Chief Secretary on December 31st highlighted a funding gap in the rehabilitation plan. While each unit is estimated to cost ₹14 lakh, the LIFE Mission only provides ₹9.25 lakh. The Corporation is now tasked with raising the additional ₹4.75 lakh per unit.

Mayor V.K. Minimol stated that the council will discuss the proposal at its first meeting on January 6th. Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, the Mayor also suggested the possibility of seeking a time extension from the court.

The issue of encroaching on the Konthuruthy riverbank has been ongoing. A previous High Court directive in August 2025 ordered eviction, land restoration, and rehabilitation. A subsequent survey identified 126 families who would be displaced.

Earlier attempts to relocate the families to Puthuvype and Palluruthy were unsuccessful due to CRZ restrictions. A 1.40-acre site in Vazakala village was identified but rejected by the beneficiaries due to its distance and proximity to the Chitrapuzha river. Discussions with the District Collector and Mayor led to the beneficiaries demanding compensation beyond the LIFE Mission allocation, prompting the ₹14 lakh per unit rehabilitation project proposal. The then Development Standing Committee Chairman urged the Corporation to consider the project as a special case, which was forwarded to the Minister for Local Self-Governments.

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