RANJIT G. THAMPY Vs. GREATER COCHIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These proceedings pertain to Kochi Marine Drive Walkway. This promenade on the banks of Vembanad Lake at the western end of Ernakulam town is used by the residents for recreation and fitness purposes. The Petitioner, a resident of Kochi, distressed by the deteriorated condition of the walkway, filed the writ petition in the public interest. Several interim orders were passed in these proceedings. The learned counsel for the parties jointly submit that the situation has now improved from the time when the proceedings were instituted five years ago, and a closure is now required in these petitions. We are, however, of the opinion that a monitoring mechanism is required to be set up to sustain the momentum.

(2.) W.P.(C) No. 18629 of 2019 was filed on 4/7/2019 for a direction to the Respondents to take immediate measures for the proper care and upkeep of the Kochi Marine Drive. Respondent No.1 in the Writ Petition is the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) through its Secretary, Cochin. Respondent No.2 is the Corporation of Cochin (Municipal Corporation) through its Secretary. Respondent No.3 is the Commissioner of Police, Kochi City. Respondent No.4 is the District Collector, Ernakulam.

(3.) The Petitioner had sought to highlight the deplorable condition of Marine Drive in Kochi city. The Petitioner sought to place before the Court the state of affairs as it existed then. There was severe water logging in different parts of the walkway during the rainy season on the edge of backwaters due to improper laying of tiles and lack of proper drainage system. The tiles were unevenly laid making it difficult and dangerous to use the walkway. Most of the garden benches are damaged. Half of the lights in the walkway were not working, resulting in the walkway being used for antisocial activities. Waste was being dumped into the backwaters by individuals and residents of the apartment complexes. Sewage water from the flats was being let out to the backwaters. The walkway was taken over by small-time vendors, blocking its use by the public. Granite slabs put by the GCDA were broken and in a pathetic condition. A boat-shaped structure, built in the middle of the walkway, which was supposed to be used as a restaurant, was in a dilapidated state. This was the condition when the Petition was filed in the year 2019.