The Kerala government seems to be slow paced in the demolition of the illegally constructed flats in Kochi even as the one month deadline of the Supreme Court ends on June 8. The Supreme Court had ordered the demolition of five flats in Maradu in Kochi that violated the Coastal Regulation Zone regulations.
With less than eight days remaining for the deadline to end, the government is yet to say a complete ‘Yes’ for bringing down the structures. The Environment Department that comes under the Chief Minister is reported to have taken some steps in razing the flats. However, the sources say that government was not showing the same pace for implementing the Apex court order on demolition as it has shown in the SC verdict on Sabarimala.
The Maradu municipality under which the flats come is reported to have served notice on the Flat owners only a day or two back. It is said that the Environment Department has started to look into the various aspects of razing the flat. All the aspects like cost of demolition, environment impact of bringing down the structures and the disposal of debris all are being worked out, according to informed sources.
Though some steps have been taken, the government is alleged to have not taken any concrete measures for implementing the verdict. The sources said that the officials have not been given clear directions on what to do. The Left government is alleged to be showing no interest in the demolition process.
The SC on May 8 ordered the demolition of five flats in Maraud. Alfa Ventures, Holy Faith, Jains Coral Cove, Holiday Heritage and Golden Kayaloram are the flats that have been ordered to be razed to the ground for violation of CRZ regulations.
Though the flat owners had filed an appeal, the SC stood by its May 8 verdict that the flats should be razed within the stipulated time. The SC had ordered the demolition as the construction was in CRZ – 3, where construction is restricted because of the eco sensitive nature.
