Kochi Corporation in Kerala to hand over Konthuruthy river puramboke to KMRL for beautification
It has been cleared of encroachments to restore the river to its original width of 38 metres
The Kochi Corporation is set to transfer the cleared Konthuruthy river puramboke, which was previously encroached upon, to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for beautification, according to a recent announcement. This transfer is part of the restoration of the river to its original width of 38 metres, as mandated by the Kerala High Court.
The eviction of 126 families, which had been ongoing since 2012, represented a significant hurdle for the United Democratic Front council when they took office. An interim order issued by the High Court on December 16, 2025, stipulated that these families should be evicted and rehabilitated within four months. The Kerala High Court also determined the compensation for rehabilitation at ₹14 lakh per family, with the corporation bearing a cost of nearly ₹18 crore. The State government’s contribution under the Life Mission amounted to a mere ₹1.26 crore.
Mayor V.K. Minimol disclosed that the land will be handed over to KMRL promptly, with the intent of preparing a Detailed Project Report for beautification and water tourism projects. The State Government has pledged to allocate ₹42 crore for the implementation of these proposals. Mayor Minimol confirmed that the demolition of structures and the payment of rehabilitation amounts for all 126 families were completed within three months, with the final payment being made in July.
Notably, 17 families who challenged the eviction in the Kerala High Court eventually accepted the compensation, while a few others were granted additional time to provide necessary documentation.
The eviction and demolition are anticipated to rejuvenate the river, which had been reduced to as narrow as two metres in several sections. Plans include constructing three-metre roads on either side of the restored river. Currently, three metres of space are available for the proposed road on one side, while land encroachment on the other side still needs to be acquired.
P.B. Siju, the convenor of the now-defunct Konthuruthy Action Council, expressed regret that not all affected families had the means to relocate to rented accommodations. He lamented that the eviction seemed to be the only priority, with no further action taken at the site where residents had lived for generations.
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