Kerala High Court Directs Vigil On Kochi's Canals, Closes Six-Year-Old PIL

Justice Devan Ramachandran, delivering judgment, noted that the 2018 floods were a “turning point” that exposed the fragility of Kochi's drainage infrastructure. “It was an eye-opener, but also a lesson that proper maintenance and decongestion of canals could mitigate inundation,” the Court observed.

The case, which has been pending since 2018, was rooted in concerns over the Perandoor Canal — a vital waterway for Kochi's drainage network. Petitioners, who live along the canal, alleged that unchecked dumping of waste, proliferation of water hyacinth, and lack of regular maintenance had led to annual inundations, culminating in the devastating floods of 2018.

Over the years, the Court had passed more than a hundred interim orders, including one constituting a high-level committee comprising government officials and court-appointed amicus curiae. The committee, which has been operational for several years, was credited with significantly reducing flood damage in Kochi.

The Court noted the different phases in the “operation breakthrough" initiative by the Government of Kerala for improving the drainage system, including revocation of canals and cleaning of culverts.

The Court confirmed its earlier interim order creating the committee and directed that it continue functioning, meeting regularly and filing monthly reports. The committee will oversee dredging of the Perandoor Canal, reconstruction of culverts by Indian Railways, completion of the Mullassery Canal under phase 2 and 3 of the “operation breakthrough”, and preparation of an annual cleaning calendar for all major canals and drains.

“The nature of monsoon in Kerala had been dramatically altered with notions of seasons also testing its limits. The systems of canals and the drainage in the city inevitably therefore require to be maintained to satisfactory level through out and this requires commitment and consistent approach.” the Court stressed.

Special appreciation was placed on record for the efforts of amicus curiae Sunil Jacob Jose, Govind Padmanabhan, and Sunil Kumar AG, whose interventions were described as having brought “remarkable changes” to the city's flood preparedness.

The Court expressed concern about citizens and businesses continuing to dump garbage into drains and canals despite strict prohibitory orders. Notably, eateries along MG Road were found disposing of food waste into nearby drains. The Court described such conduct as “perplexing” and stressed that public responsibility must complement official efforts.

The judgment also flagged issues relating to slaughterhouses which were addressed by earlier orders, and compliance with Kerala Pollution Control Board directions, leaving these matters to be addressed by the high-level committee.

While disposing of the writ petition, the Court clarified that judicial oversight would continue through periodic assessment of the committee's reports. “The goal has not yet been fully achieved,” it noted, pointing to pending infrastructure projects and the need for constant vigilance against irresponsible waste disposal.

“The dredging of the Perandoor canal which is a reason for inundation in Kochi shall be done every year for which, necessary direction will also be issued by the Committee without avoidable delay.” the Court directed

Case Title: Treasa K J v State of Kerala

Case Number: WP(C) NO. 23911 OF 2018

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 533

Counsel for the Petitioner: K P Pradeep

Amici Curiae: Sunil Jacob Jose, Sunil Kumar Ag, Govind Padmanabhan