High Court prohibits roadside tree cutting without clear reasons; Action against officials responsible

KOCHI: The High Court has ruled that trees along roadsides should not be cut without clear reasons. The court emphasized that obstructing the operations of commercial establishments is not a valid reason for cutting trees. Additionally, the High Court directed that action be taken against those who ordered the cutting of trees on the Palakkad-Pattambi road.

Meanwhile, High Court judge Justice Devan Ramachandran recently stated that Kochi's waterlogging issues cannot be resolved by the district collector alone. The High Court has instructed an expert committee including the District Collector to ensure that hotspots causing waterlogging in the district are cleaned. Justice Devan Ramachandran highlighted the need for a system to prevent water flow in the Mullassery canal and the importance of public assistance in removing garbage from the city.

The High Court also noted that the District Collector, Corporation Secretary and amicus curiae have properly addressed matters related to waterlogging and commended their efforts.

Earlier, reports indicated that the city of Aluva experienced flooding due to unscientific pavement construction by the Public Works Department and Kochi Metro, which occurred without the supervision of the Municipal Corporation. The flooding led to significant public protests as water entered many business establishments.

Aluva Railway Station, KSRTC area, Bank Intersection - Market Road, Civil Station Road, Kunnumpuram Road, Anwar Hospital Road, Srikrishna Kshetram Road and the Market overbridge underpass were all flooded due to rain that lasted about an hour on Tuesday evening.