Introduction:
The Kerala High Court, in Treasa K.J. v. State of Kerala (RP No. 165 of 2026 in WP(C) No. 23911 of 2018), emphasised that the absence of severe flooding in Kochi during the current monsoon should not lead to complacency. Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that while the city has largely avoided significant inundation despite recent heavy rainfall, the authorities must remain vigilant and continue flood-prevention measures without interruption.
The observations were made while hearing a review petition concerning the maintenance of the Perandoor Canal and Kochi’s drainage network. In earlier proceedings, the High Court had constituted a District Collector-led Committee to supervise canal maintenance, monitor flood preparedness, and prepare a scientific drainage map of the city. The Court has been continuously monitoring the implementation of these directions to ensure effective urban flood management.
Arguments of the Parties:
The court-appointed amici curiae, Advocates Sunil Kumar and Govind Padmanabhan, informed the Court that although Kochi had received substantial rainfall in recent days, widespread flooding had not occurred. They submitted that only a few low-lying areas experienced temporary waterlogging and that the accumulated water receded quickly. However, they cautioned that the city had not yet witnessed rainfall of the intensity experienced during previous years, and therefore the true resilience of the drainage system was yet to be tested.
Appearing for the Kochi Corporation, Advocate K. Anand submitted that extensive desilting and drain-cleaning operations had been undertaken before the onset of the monsoon and had continued throughout the rainy season. According to the Corporation, these preventive measures had significantly contributed to reducing flooding within the city.
The Government Pleader informed the Court that the Minor Irrigation Department was carrying out restoration works in several canals and would soon file a detailed status report. Counsel appearing for the Railways also submitted that concerns regarding railway culverts, which affect drainage at certain locations, were under active consideration and an appropriate response would be placed before the Court.
At the same time, the Court was informed that complaints continued regarding incomplete cleaning of some drains and canals. It was also pointed out that large quantities of floating water hyacinth continued to obstruct parts of the Thevara-Perandoor Canal, requiring immediate attention.
Court’s Judgment:
The Kerala High Court expressed satisfaction that Kochi had so far avoided major flooding during the ongoing monsoon but made it clear that this should not be treated as a final success. Observing that “small battles may be won, but the war is still ahead,” the Court stressed that continuous monitoring and preventive action remain essential.
The Bench noted that several parts of Kerala continue to suffer from severe monsoon-related flooding and warned that Kochi could face similar consequences if authorities relaxed their efforts. Given that large parts of the city lie at or below sea level, the Court observed that flood preparedness must remain an ongoing priority.
The Court appreciated the work carried out by the District Collector’s Committee, the Kochi Corporation, sanitation workers, and the court-appointed amici curiae, observing that they had gone beyond their official responsibilities by regularly inspecting flood-prone areas and ensuring timely implementation of preventive measures.
However, the Court directed that these achievements should not result in complacency. It instructed the District Collector’s Committee to remain on constant alert and ensure uninterrupted desilting, canal cleaning, and other remedial measures through the Corporation and all concerned departments. The Court also emphasised the importance of completing canal restoration works and addressing structural issues such as railway culverts, which continue to impede proper drainage.
Recognising that the monsoon season is still in progress, the High Court decided to continue monitoring the matter. It directed the District Collector’s Committee to file a concise status report outlining the measures already taken and the future course of action. The matter was posted for further hearing the following week.
The order highlights the judiciary’s proactive role in environmental governance and urban disaster management. While acknowledging the encouraging improvement in Kochi’s flood situation, the Court underscored that sustained coordination, scientific planning, and continuous maintenance are indispensable to safeguarding the city against future flooding.