Old Godown Collapse Threatens Fort Kochi Boat Jetty
An old tea godown near the Fort Kochi customs boat jetty has partially collapsed, damaging the recently renovated public walkway and posing a major safety threat. Used by hundreds of daily commuters and tourists, the jetty’s operations have been disrupted. Authorities from the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) have urgently sought the demolition of the unstable structure before it causes further damage or injury.
The crumbling structure, identified as the Imperial building, caused part of its roof to cave in last week, damaging the aesthetic ceiling of the Fort Kochi boat jetty. The ₹80-lakh renovation project—completed just months ago—has already suffered damages worth ₹20,000. The walkway has since been partially cordoned off to protect passengers. SWTD and Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) have formally asked Kochi Corporation to demolish the dangerously leaning building.
Once an exhibition space during the Kochi Biennale, the building now serves as a godown for a Willingdon Island-based tea export firm, A V Agencies. Constructed with stones and mud bricks, the structure resembles a two-storey building but lacks modern reinforcement. The risk of total collapse has increased due to ongoing rains. Authorities fear any further structural failure could trigger a public safety disaster at one of Kochi’s busiest boat jetties.
Following complaints from the SWTD and the West Kochi Passengers Association, the local ward councillor and health committee chairperson, T K Ashraf, intervened. He filed a complaint with the Kochi Corporation, prompting the assistant executive engineer to serve a legal notice to A V Agencies. The notice invokes provisions of the Kerala Municipality Act, warning of immediate municipal action if the hazardous building is not demolished without delay.
Company representatives have reportedly agreed to demolish the portion of the structure that endangers public safety. Kalvatty ward councillor Ashraf stated that demolition experts and the Fire Force inspected the site and are prepared to assist. Work could begin as early as the next day. However, commuter safety remains a pressing concern, especially during peak hours, as crowds now funnel through a narrower, restricted section of the jetty walkway.
With the structure continuing to deteriorate amid ongoing rainfall, the risk to Fort Kochi boat jetty users is far from over. Although action has begun, residents and commuter groups stress the urgency of completing demolition swiftly. The incident underscores the importance of proactive structural audits in heritage zones like Fort Kochi, where old buildings—unless maintained—pose real threats to modern public infrastructure and daily urban life.
