Demolition of houses along Konthuruthy river begins

Kochi: Demolition of houses of those who relocated after receiving compensation from Kochi corporation is progressing fast along the banks of Konthuruthy river. Eviction drive and demolition are being done based on a high court order.Demolition began two days ago and it will be appraised to high court when it hears the case again on Wednesday. Full compensation of Rs 14 lakh each was handed over to 88 families last week itself. Meanwhile, 17 families approached high court against branding them as encroachers and the move to evict them.Houses along the river are in pathetic condition as repairing them would be difficult due to the absence of proper documents."Some families who received full compensation amount are yet to relocate as they have not got houses on rent. Hopefully, they will vacate on Tuesday. Other than the 17 families who approached court, some more families are yet to produce a legal heir certificate for availing compensation. They will be given Rs 4 lakh as first instalment. Rest of the amount will be given by corporation once they submit the certificate. Local body can appraise the action taken report to high court," said Konthuruthy former councillor C K Peter.High court, in an interim order, directed eviction of 126 families along Poramboke land of the river in Dec 2025. Though corporation approached court seeking more time for eviction, the appeal was rejected. The river was 48m wide originally. However, encroachment reduced it to five metres at many stretches.