Kerala's High Court, under the guidance of Justice Devan Ramanchandran, has directed the clearance of all drains in flood-prone areas of Kochi.

This directive, prompted by pre-monsoon rains leading to inundation and with the monsoon imminent, aims to ensure unhindered water flow during the rainy season.

Justice Ramanchandran expressed dismay at the need for court intervention year after year to address the recurring issue of flooding in many parts of the city during the rainy season.

The court observed that heavy rains in the past few days have caused inundation in many parts of the city. It noted that these areas have been broadly identified as 15 hot spots.

The court also highlighted the presence of defects in drainage mapping in other areas, resulting in improper water flow and necessitating the use of pumps.

"... though this court has been attempting to rectify this in the last couple of years, not much change has happened. Thus, the city faces inundation every time heavy rains hit it," the HC said.