Konthuruthy canal rehabilitation: Eviction process begins; 80 families receive aid

Kochi: Kochi corporation began eviction proceedings as part of Konthuruthy river rehabilitation project, in compliance with the high court directive for widening the canal to its original length. As part of the rehabilitation package, financial assistance of Rs 14 lakh each was disbursed to 80 beneficiaries through bank transfers, after verification of all required documents.The process is being carried out under the direct supervision of mayor V K Minimol. The beneficiaries who received the amount voluntarily handed over their buildings to the corporation. The engineering wing has officially taken over the structures and handed them to zonal officials for demolition. Eight beneficiaries with discrepancies in bank documents will receive the funds by Monday after rectification. According to the mayor, all but 20 families have cooperated with the proceedings. Those yet to submit documents have been given time until April 13. As per court directions, the entire process must be completed and a report submitted before April 16. In total, 126 families are being rehabilitated under the project. Of the total required amount of Rs 17.64 crore, corporation is bearing the major share. A sum of Rs 11.83 crore was allocated from the plan fund and PMAY allocation, along with Rs 4.54 crore from its own funds, taking the corporation's contribution to Rs 16.38 crore. The remaining Rs 1.26 crore is being provided by state govt through LIFE Mission. Corporation decided to provide Rs 14 lakh per family — higher than the usual Rs 9.25 lakh under housing schemes. Special govt approval was obtained to disburse the entire amount in a single instalment, avoiding delays caused by phased payments. According to corporation officials, with permission granted to purchase land even outside corporation limits, the initiative aims to ensure better living conditions for displaced families alongside the restoration of Konthuruthy Canal.