Kochi's Chander Kunj Army Towers Await Crucial Demolition Decision in Wednesday Meeting
With all residents now having vacated the premises, apartment owners of Towers B and C at Chander Kunj Army Towers on Silversand Island in Vyttila, Kochi, are pinning their hopes on a pivotal meeting scheduled for Wednesday. This gathering is expected to finalize the detailed procedures for the long-awaited demolition of the structurally compromised buildings.
It has been over a year since the Kerala High Court issued a definitive order mandating the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of the dilapidated towers. Despite this clear judicial directive, several critical administrative decisions necessary to initiate the physical demolition process remain unresolved and pending official approval.
Sub-Committee to Oversee Project Management and Demolition Tenders
Resident representatives indicate that the first meeting of a newly constituted sub-committee, specifically formed to oversee the entire project, is anticipated to make key determinations. These include the formal process for floating tenders to appoint both a project management consultant and a qualified demolition contractor. Following the complete evacuation of residents, the subsequent procedural step requires local authorities to formally take possession of the vacant buildings and officially hand them over for demolition activities.
"We are earnestly hoping that a concrete decision on floating the necessary tenders and ultimately awarding the contract for the demolition work will be taken at Wednesday's crucial meeting," stated Saji Thomas, the official residents' representative serving on the main committee overseeing the project.
Administrative Progress and Committee Formation
The primary project supervision committee, which was constituted by the Ernakulam District Collector, convened last Wednesday. This meeting marked a significant resumption of discussions after a gap exceeding three months since the previous assembly in October. During this session, committee members resolved to appoint a dedicated sub-committee. This sub-committee will operate under the Fort Kochi Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to coordinate all further actions and streamline project execution.
The newly formed sub-committee includes official representatives from the Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO), the residents' association, and the Public Works Department (PWD). Its mandate is to discuss and decide on the sequential next steps required to advance the project from planning to implementation.
"All stakeholders who attended the meeting before the district collector were duly informed about the upcoming Wednesday meeting. We are currently planning to conduct these coordination meetings on a bi-weekly basis; however, a final decision on the meeting schedule will be confirmed in the coming days," revealed a source within the district administration.
Resident Evacuation and Compensation Details
Retired Army officer Colonel Ciby George, who was the first resident to legally approach the court seeking relief, notably became the last occupant to vacate the building. He had continued residing there while advocating for the payment of pending rental compensation owed to him.
"I finally moved out on February 12 and have since rented alternative accommodation in Girinagar, Kadavanthra. Initially, I received rental payment for only three months, with the compensation for the remaining three months being outstanding. The total rent for the complete six-month period was disbursed to me in the first week of February. Additionally, I am entitled to Rs 30,000 as relocation expenses according to the High Court order, which I have not yet received," explained Colonel George.
The district collector's meeting last Wednesday also issued directives to AWHO, instructing the organization to commence the distribution of rental compensation for another six-month period. This action is necessary because the initial six-month installment provided to residents who vacated earlier is soon set to expire. The collector has specifically instructed that these payments be processed for 47 apartment owners who were formally endorsed by the residents' association as being eligible for ongoing rental support.
Concerns Over Potential Delays and Future Timeline
Colonel George expressed a cautious hope that the demolition work and the awarding of the reconstruction contract could potentially occur within the current calendar year. However, he simultaneously voiced significant concern that the upcoming state assembly elections might introduce further bureaucratic delays and impede progress.
"There remains a tangible possibility of further project delays. The processes of floating tenders and appointing a competent company are inherently time-consuming. Furthermore, election periods often tie up bureaucratic processes and can adversely affect the pace of administrative progress," he cautioned, highlighting the potential impact of the political calendar on the project's timeline.
