Implementing a Kerala High Court order to protect Kochi’s Thevara-Perandoor canal, the Kerala government on Wednesday has made disposal of any kind of waste into the canal an offence. The order, issued by the Local Self Government Department, states that dumping of waste and drainage of sewage into the canal will be liable for prosecution.
Terming the canal the lifeline of Kochi, the High Court had noted that it has turned into a ‘rancid, putrid, sewage canal’. The court had also issued a set of directions to the state government to save the Thevara-Perandoor canal, including making pollution of the canal a punishable offence.
“Actions like dumping waste and draining sewage in the canal is liable for prosecution and punishment, including fine under relevant sections of Kerala Panchayat Raj Act 1994, Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act 2018, and other such applicable statutes and regulations,” the order states.
The order has also specifically stated that no sewage or human waste should be drained into the canal ‘so as to endanger the lives of fellow citizens’. The District Collector of Ernakulam has been authorised to issue detailed instructions to citizens in this regard.
In the October 18 hearing, the judge had stated that the dilapidated condition of the canal is the sole reason for the massive flooding in the city.
The 10.5-kilometre long canal starting from Thevara and ending at Perandoor in Vaduthala passes along the heart of the city. The canal in the past was a significant waterbody aiding the people for transportation of goods and even fishing. However, over the years, a major portion of the canal shrunk due to rampant encroachments.
On the direction of the High Court, the state government also formed a high-level committee on Monday, for monitoring the maintenance of the canal. The committee will also be responsible for making decisions on all activities related to the cleaning and maintenance of the canal.
The 13-member high-level committee is headed by the Chief Secretary of Kerala, while the Ernakulam District Collector is the convenor of the committee. The body has also been entrusted with similar responsibilities for the maintenance of all other freshwater canals in Kochi and its drainage systems.
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