Following a Kerala High Court order, Kochi Corporation is set to hand over the Konthuruthy River puramboke to KMRL for a major beautification drive. All 126 displaced families have received rehabilitation compensation, and the river will be restored to its original 38‑metre width.

Key Takeaways

  • River width restored to 38 meters
  • 126 families compensated at ₹14 lakh each
  • State allocates ₹42 crore for beautification

Kochi Corporation announced that it will soon transfer the Konthuruthy River puramboke to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for an extensive beautification and water‑tourism project. The move complies with a Kerala High Court directive to restore the river to its original 38‑metre width.

The eviction of 126 families, pending since 2012, was one of the biggest challenges faced by the United Democratic Front council after taking office. An interim order dated 16 December 2025 ordered eviction and rehabilitation within four months. Each family received ₹14 lakh, amounting to roughly ₹18 crore borne by the corporation, while the state’s Life Mission contributed a modest ₹1.26 crore.

Mayor V.K. Minimol stated, "The land will be handed over to KMRL shortly for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and launching water‑tourism projects. The state government has agreed to allocate ₹42 crore for implementing these proposals." The handover agenda is slated for the next council meeting.

All demolition and rehabilitation payments were completed within three months, with the final disbursement made in July. Seventeen families that had approached the High Court withdrew their cases and accepted compensation, while a few were granted additional time to submit required documents, which they eventually did.

Historical Background

The Konthuruthy River, a vital waterway in Kochi, has suffered extensive encroachments over decades, narrowing in places to as little as two metres. Illegal structures and unauthorized occupations severely restricted water flow and degraded the river’s ecosystem. Civic groups have long demanded restoration, but legal action stalled until the recent court order.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that restoring the river to its original width not only revives local ecology but also unlocks significant economic potential through water‑tourism and improved urban livability. The ₹42 crore state allocation signals a strong policy shift toward sustainable urban infrastructure in Kerala.

"Once cleared, the Konthuruthy River can become a flagship water‑tourism corridor, boosting both jobs and environmental health," said water‑resource expert Dr. A.K. Rao.
Did You Know?: Only 12% of Kochi’s river‑bank land was legally sanctioned between 2010 and 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much compensation did the evicted families receive?
A1: Each family was paid ₹14 lakh, totaling about ₹18 crore for all 126 families.

Q2: What infrastructure is planned after the river’s restoration?
A2: Three‑metre wide roads on both sides, water‑tourism facilities, and comprehensive beautification works are proposed.