PIL in Kerala HC seeks implementation of order to constitute survey cells to demarcate river boundaries

Kochi: A PIL has been filed in high court seeking the strict implementation of a 2023 govt order constituting survey cells in every district to identify and demarcate river boundaries and floodplains across the state, thereby preventing encroachment on river puramboke land.A bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar will consider the PIL, filed by S Unnikrishnan from Thiruvananthapuram, next week. The petition pointed out that on Jan 15, 2023, the state govt had issued an order constituting survey cells in every district under the chairmanship of the respective district collectors. However, according to the petitioner, no significant action has since been taken by the survey cells. The petition sought a directive to the govt to complete the identification, survey, demarcation and permanent boundary fixation of all rivers, river puramboke lands, riparian corridors (the transitional green areas bordering rivers) and govt river lands within six months.The petition further contended that the recurring floods in Kerala since 2018 have exposed the devastating consequences of encroachments on river systems and floodplains. It pointed out that scientific studies have consistently recognised river corridors as natural flood buffers, groundwater recharge zones and biodiversity habitats. Continued administrative inaction in protecting these areas, the petition claimed, poses a direct threat to the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.