Kochi Corporation set to evict 126 families in Konthuruthy

The Kochi Corporation is gearing up to evict 126 families along the Konthuruthy river puramboke by handing over compensation of ₹14 lakh to each family by April 15, as directed by the High Court.

The newly elected UDF governing council of the Corporation was confronted with the challenging task of completing the eviction and rehabilitation of affected families within four months. In an interim order dated December 16, 2025, the High Court directed eviction while entrusting the Corporation and the Revenue department with finalising and implementing rehabilitation measures within the stipulated period.

“We have issued notices to all 126 families asking them to submit documents for verification, and 108 families have already done so. In cases where documents appear suspect, our officials will conduct spot verification on Saturday (April 4). Beneficiaries will also have to submit consent letters to vacate the land and surrender their houses and properties after clearing tax liabilities and utility bills. In some cases, the registered property holders have died, and legal heirship will have to be established,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.

The project is estimated to cost over ₹18 crore, which will largely have to be met by the Corporation. The State government allocation is restricted to ₹1.26 lakh per family under the LIFE Mission. The government was reluctant to allocate more, fearing it might set a precedent for similar demands across the State.

The Corporation will raise the remaining amount from its own funds, allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) development fund earmarked in the plan fund, since 26 beneficiary families belong to the Scheduled Caste communities. “It will be a huge financial drain on the Corporation’s resources. However, we do not want a repeat of the forceful eviction of families using earthmovers, as witnessed in Moolampilly for the rail and road connectivity of the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal,” Ms. Minimol said.

The High Court has directed the restoration of the Konthuruthy river to its original width, while the remaining land, if any, will be preserved as community space, such as parks. Kochi Metro Rail Limited will be entrusted with river restoration and embankment works under the canal rejuvenation project.