Konthuruthy river puramboke eviction: families withdraw case; settle for compensation

Seventeen families who had approached the Kerala High Court against their eviction from the Konthuruthy river puramboke have withdrawn their case and settled for compensation, removing the final hurdle before the Kochi Corporation in recovering the entire plot.

In an interim order dated December 16, 2025, the High Court had directed eviction while entrusting the Kochi Corporation and the Revenue Department to finalise and implement rehabilitation measures within four months. The Corporation subsequently conducted a survey, identified 126 families for eviction, and worked out a compensation package of ₹14 lakh. The total project cost of more than ₹18 crore is being largely met by the Corporation, with the State government’s allocation restricted to ₹1.26 lakh per family under the LIFE Mission.

The Corporation began paying compensation and demolishing structures last month. “Only 16 houses of families who had gone for litigation remain to be demolished. We have paid ₹5 lakh to the litigants and will pay the rest of the compensation once they present the case withdrawal certificate. The plot, once cleared, will be handed over to Kochi Metro Rail Limited for restoring the river width and constructing an embankment with beautification. We have paid the agency ₹42 crore through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board for this purpose,” said mayor V.K. Minimol.

Families who opted for litigation withdrew their case before it was likely to be listed by the court on May 21. Lack of financial means to pursue litigation and uncertainty over the outcome, since the High Court itself had ordered eviction, were reasons for ending the case. They also feared their houses might be demolished without compensation regardless of the verdict. However, they said they would vacate only after receiving the full compensation amount.

Kochi Corporation to fast-track Konthuruthy compensation

“While poor people like us are being evicted, similar encroachments in the neighbourhood remain untouched. Moreover, compensation is being paid without proper consideration. A person who has lived here for 60 years and someone who bought a house two years ago for just ₹3 lakh are both being paid the same ₹14 lakh,” said P.B. Siju, convenor of the Konthuruthy Action Council and among those who had opted for litigation.

Among the evicted families, those who could afford it have purchased property, while others have moved into rented or leased homes. Mr. Siju said that daily wage workers like him cannot afford to buy new property and renting remains the only feasible option.