The Kochi Corporation Council has entrusted the secretary to initiate steps for distributing compensation to families residing on the Konthuruthy river puramboke under the special rehabilitation package approved by the State Cabinet, so that the process is not stalled by the model code of conduct expected to come into force with the notification of the Assembly election.
Mayor V.K. Minimol said an affidavit may also be filed before the High Court to explain the situation. In an interim order dated December 16, 2025, the court had ordered the eviction of 126 families with police assistance while entrusting the Corporation and the Revenue department with finalising and implementing rehabilitation measures within four months.
Although the Cabinet approved the Corporation’s rehabilitation package worth ₹17.64 crore — ₹14 lakh for each affected families — it declined the civic body’s request to bridge the funding gap of ₹4.54 crore. The Corporation has volunteered to raise ₹11.83 crore, in addition to ₹1.26 crore from the State government’s Life Mission contribution.
“We will again write to the government requesting reimbursement of ₹4.54 crore at some point. The possibility of using funds earmarked for slum eradication will also be explored,” Ms. Minimol said.
Earlier, UDF councillors came down on the State government for what they termed an inhumane decision to withhold funds for rehabilitation. The remarks drew sharp rebuttal from the Opposition, with LDF Parliamentary Party leader V.A. Sreejith arguing that the government too faced financial constraints like the Corporation. He accused the UDF of seeking political mileage ahead of the Assembly election and pointed out that the Life Mission contribution and Plan fund allocation should not be overlooked.
Ms. Minimol said the government was concerned about setting a precedent by rehabilitating occupants of river puramboke, which could trigger similar demands across the State.
BJP councillor Priya Prashanth urged the Corporation to move an affidavit before the High Court to prevent eviction of hapless families during the election period. The debate later turned heated when the UDF’s M.G. Aristotle and the LDF’s Elizabeth Teacher clashed over whether the compensation constituted a rehabilitation package. Mr. Aristotle warned of electoral repercussions for publicly stating otherwise, while Ms. Elizabeth clarified that she meant the families were being offered compensation but not housing.
Published – March 12, 2026 10:43 pm IST
