Kochi Plans Rehabilitation For Konthuruthy Families
The Kochi Municipal Corporation has proposed a plan to rehabilitate 129 families residing along the shores of the Konthuruthy Canal, following a High Court directive to restore the waterway to its original width. The initiative is aimed at balancing urban infrastructure restoration with the rights and livelihoods of long-standing residents.
In 2020, the court ordered the local administration to facilitate relocation for canal-side residents, but little progress was made in the intervening years. A recent meeting convened by the Chief Secretary resulted in a draft proposal recommending financial support for each household. The suggested package allocates Rs 14 lakh per family for relocation and housing. The state government has pledged Rs 9.25 lakh—Rs 5.25 lakh for land acquisition and Rs 4 lakh for construction within municipal limits—leaving the corporation responsible for mobilising an additional Rs 4.75 lakh per household, totalling around Rs 6 crore.Due to budgetary constraints, the corporation is exploring relocation to existing RAY (Rajiv Awas Yojana) flats, several of which remain vacant in Fort Kochi. This approach is seen as a cost-effective alternative to funding independent housing for each family. Officials emphasise that moving residents into these flats could accelerate canal widening and improve urban waterway management, contributing to long-term flood mitigation and ecological restoration.
However, resettlement to cluster housing raises social and economic concerns. Former local councillor C K Peter highlighted that residents rely on employment opportunities in the city, and relocation to Fort Kochi may disrupt livelihoods. Many households prefer independent homes over shared flats, and authorities may face resistance in ensuring voluntary compliance. Urban planners caution that the success of such relocation schemes depends on carefully balancing financial incentives, accessibility to jobs, and quality of life in resettlement sites.From an infrastructure perspective, widening the Konthuruthy Canal is critical for flood management and urban drainage in Kochi. Unregulated encroachments along water bodies have historically exacerbated urban flooding, particularly during monsoon events. Ensuring that canal-side residents are adequately rehabilitated is therefore both a civic responsibility and a practical necessity for sustainable urban management.
Authorities are now reviewing strategies to engage residents in the planning process, including consultations on housing design, transport connectivity, and livelihood support. Urban development experts note that transparent communication, community participation, and phased implementation are essential to avoid social unrest and ensure that infrastructure projects advance without compromising human well-being.
