To Save City From "Severe Flooding", Kerala High Court Directs Kochi Corporation To Clear All Drains Within Two Days

The Court today noted that due to the rains over the past two days, approximately 15 hotspots were identified as being flooded. It thus directed the Kochi Corporation to ensure smooth water flow in the identified hot spots to prevent flooding. 

“List this matter, therefore, on 27.05.2024; within which time, the Committee headed by the District Collector, will ensure that the Corporation clears all the drains, with the assistance of the “sucker machine” and such other facilities, and that water flow is smooth in all the hotspots already been identified”, stated Justice Devan Ramachandran

The Court observed that it is certainly possible to save the city from severe flooding during this monsoon season with the co-operation of the citizens and other entities. The Court also called for the co-operation of the citizens

“This requires the drains to be kept clean to the extent possible. The cooperation of the citizens is also sine qua non, as also that of all institutions and entities, particularly those who install boards, flags etc. for self-promotion and such other. This is because, all these finally end up in the public disposal system, thus overwhelming it; and this causes a public nuisance, which is not confined to one person or one section, but to the whole community”, added the Court.

The Court rendered its appreciation to the District Collector, Secretary of the Corporation and the Amicus Curiae appointed by the Court for being physically present in the areas that flooded. The Court further expressed hope that the system will function effectively without intervention from the Court during every monsoon season.

The High-Powered Committee is headed by the District Collector who is also the Chairperson of the of the District Disaster Management Authority.

The Court was assured by the Senior Central Government Panel Counsel, T C Krishna that the culverts will be cleared with the cooperation of the Railways.

Regarding the pending construction works near the High Court, Vivekananda Road area, and near the Mullassery Canal, the Senior Government Pleader S Kannan assured the Court that the District Collector and other authorities are looking into it.

The matter has been posted to May 27, 2024 (Monday) for further consideration.

Case Title: Treasa K J v State of Kerala

Case Number: WP(C) NO. 23911 OF 2018

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