HC expresses concern about unclean canals in Kochi

Expressing concern about the serious risks to public health in the form of a canal which had toxic waste and debris near an anganwadi at Ponnurunni in the city, the Kerala High Court has ordered immediate clean-up of the canal, saying that children were being exposed to hazardous waste.

Besides, steps ought to be taken to ensure that such toxic waste does not accumulate in the canal. “Deliberate dumping of waste, including electronic waste, into canals is a tragedy that the city is now facing. Therefore, the District Collector should convene a meeting of the high-level committee concerned within two days to address concerns raised by the court,” it said.

The court also raised concerns about the inordinate delay in reconstructing Mullassery canal, as senior citizens and others said their homes continued to be flooded due to the ongoing reconstruction work. The committee should look into this issue as well.

The amicus curiae that was appointed by the court has, in the meantime, identified multiple hotspots in the city that are still vulnerable to inundation. They include Aysha Road, Ponnurunni, and Kammattipadam. The court said a permanent and long-term solution was needed to keep the city’s canals and waterways clean and to ensure that no dumping or debris deposition was done.