Mon Jan 12 11:25:42 UTC 2026: ### Kochi Corporation Faces Deadline in Konthuruthy Eviction Case

The Story:

The Kochi Corporation is facing immense pressure to resolve the pending eviction and rehabilitation of 126 families residing along the Konthuruthy river puramboke. A recent meeting convened by the Corporation failed to produce a concrete solution, leading to a decision to petition the Kerala High Court for an extension to the eviction deadline set in an interim order on December 16, 2025. The court order mandated eviction with police assistance, while tasking the Corporation and the Revenue department to finalize rehabilitation measures within four months. The Corporation is also forming a 10-member committee to represent the affected families.

With Assembly elections looming, Mayor V.K. Minimol emphasized the urgency and limited time, stating that the Corporation is seeking assistance from the Chief Minister and Finance Minister on January 22, 2026, to address the financial gap between LIFE Mission allocations and the estimated rehabilitation cost. The Konthuruthy Action Council has voiced its frustration over the lack of clarity on rehabilitation and compensation, threatening resistance to any eviction without adequate provisions. The council alleges the calculated compensation of ₹14 lakh is insufficient, arguing it should be closer to ₹19 lakh per family based on the court verdict.

Key Points:

  • 126 families are facing eviction from the Konthuruthy river puramboke.
  • The Kerala High Court issued an interim order on December 16, 2025, directing eviction with rehabilitation to be completed within four months.
  • A meeting by the Kochi Corporation failed to produce a concrete solution, leading to a plan to seek a deadline extension from the High Court on January 13, 2026.
  • The Corporation is forming a 10-member committee to represent the affected families.
  • The estimated rehabilitation cost is ₹14 lakh per unit, exceeding the LIFE Mission allocation by ₹4.75 lakh.
  • The Konthuruthy Action Council is demanding clarity on rehabilitation and compensation, arguing for ₹19 lakh per family.
  • Mayor V.K. Minimol is seeking assistance from the Chief Minister and Finance Minister on January 22, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kochi Corporation is struggling to balance court mandates, financial constraints, and the needs of displaced families.
  • The lack of clear communication and adequate compensation is fueling discontent among the affected residents.
  • The upcoming Assembly elections are adding pressure to resolve the issue quickly, further complicating the situation.
  • The dependence on state government funding highlights the financial limitations of the Kochi Corporation.
  • The conflict between the court’s perceived compensation and the actual offer made has led to distrust between the people and the government.

Impact Analysis:

The Konthuruthy eviction case has broader implications for urban development and displacement policies in Kerala. The resolution of this issue will set a precedent for future eviction and rehabilitation efforts, especially concerning riverbank residents. A failure to provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation could lead to further legal challenges and social unrest. Additionally, the strain on the Kochi Corporation’s finances highlights the need for sustainable funding models for urban development projects that involve displacement and resettlement. The long-term impact will depend on how effectively the Corporation, the State Government, and the affected families can collaborate to find a just and sustainable solution.

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