Dilapidated Chander Kunj Army Towers: Ernakulam collector submits detailed demolition and reconstruction plan before Kerala HC
Kochi: The Ernakulam collector has submitted a detailed affidavit before high court outlining the proposed plan of action for the demolition and reconstruction of the dilapidated Towers B and C of the Chander Kunj Army Towers at Silver Sand Island, Vyttila, with the project expected to be completed by Oct 31, 2029, at an estimated cost of Rs 211.49 crore.
The affidavit that proposes a tentative demolition date of Nov 9, 2025 was filed in compliance with the directive of the bench of Justice C P Mohamed Nias in a batch of review petitions filed by residents of Chander Kunj, who sought clarity on an earlier single bench order directing the demolition and reconstruction of the towers, constructed in July 2018.
District collector N S K Umesh informed HC that a stakeholders' meeting was held on April 22, during which representatives of the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) were directed to allot Rs 30,000 to each family currently residing in Towers B and C to cover relocation expenses.
The residents were instructed to complete the shifting by July 31. The affidavit noted that the funds for Phase I, covering eviction and rehabilitation, can be allocated to AWHO only after HC fixes the rent payable to flat owners.
Since 82 flat owners have opted for the buy-back option, the collector has forwarded a letter to the AWHO director requesting discussions to finalise the terms. During the meeting, the town planner informed that the building rules in force at the time of the original construction have since been revised, creating several impediments for reconstruction under the new norms.
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As per the collector's four-phase plan, the shifting of occupants will happen within the next two months, followed by demolition over the next six months, with the site being cleared by Jan 9. Phase IV, involving piling and foundation work, will commence on April 1 and is expected to be completed in six months. The entire work can be completed within 4.5 years.
Two sub-committees constituted to monitor the project, comprising the PWD executive engineer, a structural expert and a resident of Towers B and C, will submit regular reports to the collector.
The report also notes that since the water, gas and electricity connections to Towers A, B and C are interlinked, the possible impact of the demolition on Tower A must also be assessed.
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