Stating that Kochi ought to live up to its ‘smart city’ image, the Kerala High Court on Thursday (June 11, 2026) directed the committee headed by the District Collector to submit a report on June 18 on the steps taken to declog canals and drains and ensure safe roads during the monsoon.
The report ought to contain details of the progress of the works and the preventive measures being taken, said a Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran. The first spell of monsoon rains is just a trailer. The Kochi Corporation, Minor Irrigation department, Public Works department (PWD), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Railways, and other agencies must take steps to avoid flooding and prevent roads from developing potholes and undulations.
On the plight of a national highway corridor maintained by the NHAI, the court said there was a “crater-like pothole” at the centre of the highway. Potholes are man-made disasters. The engineers concerned ought to maintain roads properly, failing which personal liability will be fixed in the wake of accidents caused by the shoddy upkeep of roads. Based on feedback provided by the amicus curiae, the court held that several roads and canals in Kochi were in poor condition. The engineers of the Kochi Corporation, PWD, and the NHAI “must be on their feet” at all times since the safety of motorists and pedestrians is at stake. These agencies cannot cite the monsoon as a justification for not repairing roads. Their engineers must verify firsthand the condition of roads under their jurisdiction.
The court observed that low-lying areas in the city remained prone to flooding during rain, while referring to submissions made by the amicus curiae. Expressing dismay at the state of affairs, the court said the Minor Irrigation department and other agencies ought to heed the amicus curiae’s recommendation to install non-corrosive meshes at drain outlets leading into canals to prevent plastic and other debris from entering the waterways.
The High Court specifically sought steps to declog the canal beside the KSRTC bus stand and the Perandoor Canal, and to expedite the long-overdue Mullassery Canal works. Drains at Madhava Pharmacy Junction, where M.G. Road branches off from Banerjee Road, are also in poor condition, endangering pedestrians. A ‘smart city’ cannot afford this, the court said.
The Railways informed the High Court that steps had been taken to clear railway culverts. The matter has been posted for next hearing on June 18.
Published – June 11, 2026 09:30 pm IST
