Kerala apartment owners begin to vacate

Residents complain that alternative accommodation offered does not exist

Following 13 years of litigation over five illegal highrises, the owners of roughly 350 apartments in Maradu in Kochi began exiting their homes ahead of the demolition of the buildings.

More families began moving their belongings out of their apartments yesterday, after what began as a trickle over the weekend when a few families hired trucks to get their belongings out. Speaking to the media yesterday, the residents complained that they were given a few contact numbers where the district authorities had arranged for their accommodation, but none exists.

“We were shocked to be told when we contacted the numbers given to us, that there are no such flats to be given. Some of them even threatened us not to call again. If this is the response, then the October 3 deadline will have to be extended,” said angry residents.

The five buildings were found to have violated environmental rules at the time of their construction, and India’s Supreme Court ordered their demolition. The buildings were constructed in an area that fell under the Coastal Regulation Zone — III, a no-build zone. The area was later notified to be in the Coastal Regulation Zone — II area, but the apex court ruled that they ought to be demolished because they were illegal at the time of construction.

Yet another issue that has now surfaced is that when the Maradu flats complex is demolished the neighbourhood might suffer damage. If so, they should be given adequate compensation and it should come in the form of an order from the authorities.

Finalising tender

Following this demand, Kochi Sub-Collector S.K. Singh, appointed as special officer in charge of the demolition, who will be discussing the matter with the concerned people in the second week of October. He will first finalise the tender for the demolition to one of the more than two dozen companies who have come forward to do the job.

Yesterday, the apex court dismissed a petition by some flat owners that the three-member committee appointed by the court to study the building violation had not consulted the flat owners.

Oct 3 deadline given to owners to vacate their apartments

350 apartments in over five illegal high rises will be razed