Rejuvenation Of Mullassery Canal| Kochi Corporation & State Cite Lack Of Funds: Kerala High Court Urges For Completion

The Kerala High Court on Thursday reiterated that the rejuvenation of Mullassery Canal in Ernakulam city is to be completed, and resources for it would have to be found by the State government. 

Justice Devan Ramachandran added that the resources have to be found by the Government from any source it pleases. It is necessary and imperative. 

Rejuvenation of the Mullassery canal is being done under the third phase of Operation Breakthrough. However, the intermittent monsoon showers and the delay in removing the pipelines along the Mullassery canal have halted the restoration work. 

The Water Authority informed the Court that they have taken up the matter with the Government for the additional fund. The Corporation has already deposited an amount of Rs. 2.58 Crores, and going by the new estimate of the Water Authority, another Rs. 2.5 Crores may be required, and in this regard, the Standing Counsel for the Corporation of Kochi, Advocate K.Janardhana Shenoy, said that it does not have the required money. 

The State Government also took a similar stand. 

The court reiterated that the work of Mullassery Canal has to be completed, and the resources have to be found by the government from any source it may please. 

Thereby adjourning the case to 27 July, within which time the Secretary of the Water Resources Department will file necessary pleading before the Court as to the manner in which the resources for relocating the pipes can be found. The removal of the pipelines is necessary for restoring the original width of the canal. 

Before parting, Justice Devan made it clear that this Court would not be satisfied with excuses or explanations and that the actual source would have to be shown.

Justice Devan, when this matter was being heard early this month, had directed the Special Government Pleader to inform the court about the steps taken at the behest of the Secretary of the Water Department to complete the revival of Mullassery Canal, including the manner in which the work has to be completed and the additional funds required for the same.

Case Title: Treasa K.J. v. State of Kerala R