Kerala
Chillavanoor, Edapally, Thevara, Broadway Market
,
Perandoor
,
Ernakulam
Published :
Aug 2023
|
Updated :
Canal rejuvenation project set for a rollout despite opposition from community members in Kochi, Kerala
Reported by
Viswanathan Shridhar
Legal Review by
Anmol Gupta
Edited by
Anupa Kujur
677
Households affected
3930
People affected
2020
Year started
182
ha.
Land area affected
677
Households affected
3930
People Affected
2020
Year started
182
Land area affected
Key Insights
Sector
Infrastructure
Reason/Cause of conflict
Urban Development (Other than Smart Cities)
Conflict Status
Ongoing
Ended
Legal Status
Region Classification
Urban
Ended
Sector
Infrastructure
Reason/Cause of conflict
Urban Development (Other than Smart Cities)
Conflict Status
Ongoing
Ended
Legal Status
Region Classification
Urban
Ended
1
Summary

The Kochi Metro Limited proposed to revive and regenerate six canals and create an inland navigation system in the city. This project was launched in November 2019. The first step towards this project involved the reclamation of land around the canals through land acquisition and conducting social and environmental impact assessments for the project. One of the larger stated goals of this project is that it would build infrastructure for fueling tourism in the state. 

The project however has been opposed by locals who are likely to face eviction for the implementation of the project. They are claiming that procedures are not being followed. Allegations of financial irregularities have also been made by community members who are opposed to the project. 
 
The project though delayed beyond its original deadline, was set for rolling out in March 2023. The concerns of the community members are yet to be addressed. 

2
Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Refusal to give up land for the project

Complaint against procedural violations

Opposition against environmental degradation

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Urban

Type of Land

Common and Private

Non-Forest (Other than Grazing Land)

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

2023

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Yes

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Water bodies, Residential area, Commercial

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

1418

Type of investment:

Cost of Project

Year of Estimation

2020

Page Number In Investment Document:

25

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

4
Additional Information

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority, District Administration, Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation Department, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, Thrikakkara, Kalamassery and Thripunithura Municipalities, Elected Representatives from the Local Wards

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Kochi Metro Rail Limited

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Yes

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

5
Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Legal Supporting Documents

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Author
Reported by
Viswanathan Sridhar

Viswanathan is a creative individual whose interests lie at the intersection of architecture, urban development, and design. His research interests include issues of urban development, housing, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and land. As an upcoming architect and urban development practitioner, he thrives on crafting visionary spaces and shaping vibrant communities. His diverse portfolio showcases his expertise across various disciplines, making him a true Renaissance professional.  With him, the worlds of architecture, design, and social entrepreneurship unite, forming an individual dedicated to shaping the future and inspiring others to think beyond the ordinary. 

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Fact sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Refusal to give up land for the project

Complaint against procedural violations

Opposition against environmental degradation

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

2023

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Yes

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Water bodies, Residential area, Commercial

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

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