Kochi: The Kerala High Court has termed the incident in Fort Kochi, where a French tourist sustained broken bone after falling into an open, dilapidated ditch, as ‘disgraceful’. The court pointed out that Kochi, despite being projected as a tourist destination, has become a city where it is nearly impossible to walk safely.

These comments came in response to petitions regarding the poor condition of Kochi's roads. The court has sought explanation from the authorities concerned on this issue. The petitions are being considered by Justice Devan Ramachandran.

The court questioned what foreign visitors would say about such incidents when they return to their own country and what the world would think about Kochi and Kerala. The foreign tourist was injured after falling into a ditch that had been left open for repairs. If foreigners begin to perceive Kochi as a place where one fears even to walk, how will tourism thrive here? This issue affects not only Kochi. but Kerala as a whole on the tourism map, observed the court.

The court also sought a report from the Alappuzha District Collector regarding the construction of the Aroor-Thuravoor National Highway and directed the amicus curiae to visit the site and submit report. The lawyer representing the National Highways Authority brought to the court's attention the obstacles in setting up the drainage system along the Aroor-Thuravoor NH.