Kerala govt rejects flat owners’ demand for more time to vacate

KOCHI: The Kerala government on Wednesday rejected residents' demand for more time to vacate their flats in four illegal apartment complexes here and said they would stick to the October 3 deadline set for leaving the place.

Authorities said they were going ahead as per the 138-day action plan for demolishing the buildings, and warned the residents of legal consequences if they refuse to move out by tomorrow.

"The deadline (for vacating the flats) ends tomorrow. That is the direction (from the government)," a senior official of the Maradu municipality told reporters here.

He said the power and water supply to the apartment complexes, temporarily restored two days ago for facilitating the smooth relocation of the residents, would be disconnected automatically on Thursday. As the deadline for vacating their flats nears, residents alleged that no temporary dwellings for them have been arranged by the administration so far. The flat owners said they would not leave the buildings till the authorities complete the arrangements for their relocation.

"We are caught in between the devil and the deep blue sea," a resident said. They threatened to relaunch their protest seeking a humanitarian approach from the authorities.

According to them, at least 10 days were required for the relocation from their flats.

The Ernakulam district administration said those who want assistance in finding a home can approach authorities of Maradu municipality.