Kochi Mayor to Push for Full One-Time Payout to Canal Evictees
Kochi Mayor V K Minimol has announced a firm plan. The corporation will formally ask the state government to provide a complete one-time compensation package to families facing eviction from the shores of the Konthuruthy Canal. This move aims to replace the current proposal for phased payments.
Resident Meeting Drives the Decision
The mayor called a meeting with residents living on both sides of the canal on Monday. During this gathering, the decision to seek a lump-sum payment emerged clearly. Residents expressed their demands strongly, citing the corporation's tight financial position and the binding nature of a court order.
Local families are asking for a compensation amount of Rs 14 lakh per household. However, a previous decision made under the chief secretary's chairmanship limits the payout to Rs 9.5 lakh. This approved sum includes Rs 5.25 lakh specifically for purchasing land under the LIFE Mission scheme and an additional Rs 4 lakh allocated for house construction.
Special Approval Needed for One-Time Disbursement
Even releasing this Rs 9.5 lakh as a single payment requires explicit government approval. The corporation cannot proceed without it. Furthermore, the Rs 5.25 lakh land purchase component is restricted. Only those families who buy land within the Kochi corporation limits can access this portion of the funds.
Recognizing the urgency imposed by the court, the meeting reached a consensus. Authorities will approach the Chief Minister and the Local Self-Government Minister directly. The appeal will request the government to treat this eviction as a special case.
Seeking Full Amount and Additional Support
The core request is for the government to sanction the entire Rs 9.5 lakh as a one-time payment. Additionally, the corporation will seek assistance and necessary approvals for gap funding. This extra financial support would help bridge the difference between the sanctioned amount and the residents' demand of Rs 14 lakh.
Background of Court Orders and Delayed Action
This situation stems from a 2020 High Court order. The court directed the district administration and the Kochi corporation to take concrete steps for rehabilitating people living along the canal shores. Unfortunately, the local body failed to implement effective measures in response.
The original court order identified 129 families residing on the Konthuruthy Canal banks for rehabilitation. Last month, the court reiterated its directive. It asked the corporation to rehabilitate these residents without any further delay, adding pressure for immediate action.
Now, Mayor Minimol's initiative represents a focused effort to comply with the court's mandate while addressing the financial concerns of the affected families through a streamlined compensation process.
