Kerala High Court takes suo motu cognisance after flooding in Alappuzha school disrupts classes

The Kerala High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns that classes at the SNDP Higher Secondary School, Alappuzha, have been disrupted after the school was flooded, when a bund encircling a paddy field broke down amid heavy rains [Suo Motu Proceedings initiated by the High Court in waterlogging of SNDP Higher Secondary School].

Over 200 students from the school, along with teachers and the school Principal had sent a letter on this issue to Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar.

On July 23, the Bench of Chief Justice Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji observed that the situation called for immediate intervention, especially because the classes were continuing in a partially submerged building.

The Court, therefore, registered a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) case in the matter.

The Bench noted that the waterlogged classrooms, which have been underwater for over six weeks, were affecting the students ability to attend regular classes and prepare for public examinations.

The Court also noted that several representations to the concerned government authorities had little result.

"It is stated that despite various representations to the concerned authorities, there was no action by the Paadasekhara Samithi to repair the bund or commence the pumping operations. It is also stated that pumping using motors has not started and the school premises remain flooded. Concerns have also been raised about health hazards due to stagnant water," the Court observed.

The school, which was established in 1938, is located in Kainakari Grama Panchayat in Alappuzha district and is an area that lies below the sea level.

It is built along the outer edge of the Paruthivalavu paddy fields (a low-lying stretch of paddy fields), where traditional Kuttanad farming practices are followed. In this method, large earthen walls (bunds) are built around the paddy fields. Once crops are ready to be planted, standing water from the land is removed using pumps.

However, when the bunds break during heavy rains or flash floods (an event locally called Madaveezhcha), the water floods the fields and nearby buildings, which includes the school.

On May 29, 2025, a bund in the area broke, and water flowed into the school premises, submerging up to 20 classrooms.

Many homes of students were also flooded, and some families were forced to relocate.

As the water had not been drained out of classrooms, the school was holding classes in shifts, with first-year students attending in the morning session and second-year students attending classes in the afternoon, by using the school rooms which were not submerged and remained dry.

However, stagnant water has remained around the school premises, posing serious health risks.

The students thus sought the Court's directions to the Paadasekhara Samithi, Agriculture Department officials, and the District Collector to carry out immediate repairs, to drain out of the flood water, and to implement long term preventive measures to ensure uninterrupted academic activity.

Taking serious note of the issue, the Court has directed the District Collector of Alappuzha to immediately convene a joint meeting with officials from the Education and Agriculture Departments, the Secretary of the Paadasekhara Samithi (farmers organisation), and a school representative, to assess the situation and take steps to resolve the problem.

The Court also instructed all government authorities to fully cooperate with the District Collector and posted the matter for further hearing on July 31, 2025, for filing an action taken report.

"Thereafter, the Court may consider taking up the larger issue regarding other schools in the area, if any, and for long term solutions," the Court added.

Further, Advocate Jithin Saji Isaac has been appointed as amicus curiae and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) has also been added as a respondent.

KELSA has been asked to conduct a factual enquiry through the District Legal Services Authority and support the amicus curiae in preparing a formal petition for further hearings.

[Read Order]