'Small Battle Won, But War Still Ahead': Kerala High Court Lauds Flood-Prevention Efforts In Kochi, Urges Authorities To Not Lower Guard

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (06 August) observed that Kochi has largely escaped serious flooding during the ongoing monsoon despite recent heavy rains, but cautioned that the respite should not be viewed as a victory, directing authorities to remain vigilant and continue preventive measures.Justice Devan Ramachandran made the observations while considering a review petition in connection with the upkeep of Perandoor Canal. The Court had earlier, in its judgment, directed the District Collector's Committee to oversee the city's canal and drainage system. It had also directed the Committee to create a drainage map of the city through scientific methods. During the last hearing, the Court had directed the authorities to fast-track pre-monsoon measures in the city. The court recorded submissions made by court-appointed amici curiae, advocates Sunil Kumar and Govind Padmanabhan, who informed the bench that despite near-heavy rainfall in Kochi over the past few days, incidents of flooding had been scarce. They added that while some very low-lying areas experienced minor waterlogging, the water had receded quickly.Describing the development as gratifying, the court nevertheless cautioned against complacency."Small battles may be won, but the war is still ahead of us," the court observed.The bench noted that while several parts of Kerala continue to reel under the effects of the heavy monsoon, it was a matter of satisfaction that Kochi had, for the present, been spared significant inundation.Amicus curiae Govind Padmanabhan submitted that the city had not yet experienced extremely intense rainfall comparable to rains witnessed in previous years, suggesting that the real test of the drainage system may still lie ahead.Advocate K. Anand appearing for Kochi corporation informed the court that desilting and cleaning works had been carried out at a satisfactory pace before the onset of the monsoon and had continued during the rainy season. According to the Corporation, these efforts may have contributed to the improved situation.The High Court recalled that it had constituted a High Power Committee under the stewardship of the Ernakulam District Collector to oversee flood preparedness and had been regularly receiving reports from the committee. The court also noted the continuous engagement of the amici curiae, who have been bringing operational issues to the court's notice.At the same time, the court acknowledged complaints regarding incomplete cleaning of certain drains and canals. It also noted that the Thevara-Perandoor continued to have substantial floating water hyacinth.“To sum it up, we cannot lower guards or throw caution to winds. The District Collector Committee certainly requires to be in its guard throughout and ensure that cleaning and other remedial measures are undertaken through the corporation and other stakeholders without break.” Court observed. The court observed that the widespread flooding witnessed in other parts of Kerala should serve as a warning, noting that if adequate care is not taken, Kochi could face a similar fate.While refraining from examining individual complaints regarding drainage maintenance during the peak monsoon period, the court nevertheless commended the efforts of those involved in flood prevention.It specifically appreciated the work of the Kochi Corporation's sanitation workers, the District Collector's Committee, including the District Collector herself, and the amici curiae, observing that they had worked well beyond their formal responsibilities, frequently inspecting conditions on the ground.However, the court made it clear that these efforts should not lead to complacency but should instead encourage all stakeholders to complete the task of safeguarding the city, which it noted remains particularly vulnerable because large parts of Kochi lie at or below sea level. “However, this does not mean that we must rest on our laurels. But solely, this should be treated as an encouragement to move forward and to finish the task that we have taken up for ourselves. Every stakeholder must remind themselves that we work for the people and the city requires to be cared for because it remains perilously close to the See level or even lower.” Court observed. The Government Pleader informed the court that the Minor Irrigation Department would submit a report on ongoing canal restoration works, which the court described as vital since the department maintains many of the city's canals.The court also took note of continuing concerns that unless railway culverts are redesigned or reconstructed, routine maintenance through jetting and other cleaning methods may remain ineffective at certain locations. Counsel appearing for the Railways submitted that the issue had not been overlooked and that an appropriate response would be forthcoming.Observing that the monsoon season is still underway, the High Court said it would continue monitoring the situation. It directed the District...

'Small Battle Won, But War Still Ahead': Kerala High Court Lauds Flood-Prevention Efforts In Kochi, Urges Authorities To Not Lower Guard

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'Small Battle Won, But War Still Ahead': Kerala High Court Lauds Flood-Prevention Efforts In Kochi, Urges Authorities To Not Lower Guard

Anamika MJ

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Anamika MJ

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