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The Kochi Corporation will shortly hand over the Konthuruthy river puramboke, cleared of encroachments to restore the river to its original width of 38 metres as directed by the Kerala High Court, to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for beautification.
The eviction of 126 families, pending since 2012, was among the major challenges faced by the United Democratic Front council upon assuming office. In an interim order dated December 16, 2025, the High Court directed eviction and rehabilitation of the affected families within four months. Compensation for rehabilitation was later fixed at ₹14 lakh per family, with the Corporation bearing nearly ₹18 crore of the cost. The State government’s contribution under the Life Mission was restricted to a meagre ₹1.26 crore.
State to allocate ₹42 crore
“The land will be handed over to KMRL shortly for preparing a Detailed Project Report for beautification and water tourism projects. The State Government has agreed to allocate ₹42 crore for implementing the proposals,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol. The agenda for handing over the land is likely to be included in the next council meeting.
