Clear debris recovered from canals & drains immediately: Kerala HC to Kochi corporation

Kochi: High court has directed Kochi corporation to ensure that debris excavated from canals and drains within the city is not stored on their banks or shores for more than a few hours.A bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran issued the directive in a 2018 plea seeking judicial intervention to address the recurring problem of monsoon-related waterlogging in Kochi. HC further observed that, although the authorities may justify the practice as necessary to drain water from the debris, it could result in debris flowing back into the drains or canals, thereby exacerbating the situation.During hearing, the amici curiae pointed out two major issues concerning pre-monsoon preparedness –– the storage of debris on the banks of drains and canals, and the rampant dumping of single-use plastic waste by citizens and other entities. HC directed the Kochi corporation to examine the matter and take necessary steps urgently. It further added that measures to prevent the dumping of single-use plastic must be initiated immediately. In response, the corporation's counsel assured court that the required actions would be completed within the stipulated deadlines.Similarly, HC recorded the submission made by the standing counsel for the Railways regarding the maintenance of railway culverts, stating that necessary steps would be undertaken and completed in coordination with the district collector's committee, as in previous years. The amici curiae submitted that the district collector's committee is actively involved in the city's pre-monsoon works and is complying fully with HC's directions.While commending the work already initiated, the bench reminded the committee that the tasks must be carried out on a war footing, as the monsoon is expected within the next two months. The matter was then adjourned to May 8.