Maradu evictees scouting for houses rudely turned away

Kochi: Another ordeal has begun for hundreds of flat owners who are vacating their to-be razed properties at Maradu in Kerala's Ernakulam district.

The harried residents of the four apartments complexes have alleged that no proper arrangements have been made to rehabilitate them ahead of the demolition of their flats. They are being evicted ahead of the demolition of these properties as per the Supreme Court order for violating Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) norms.

“When residents approached apartment owners as per the list prepared by the district administration, they were told that the flats were not available on rent," Maradu Bhavan Samrakshana Samiti (House Protection Council) president Shamsuddeen Karunagapally said.

The flaw owners alleged that the district administration prepared the list without conducting proper enquiries. "When residents, including women, went to check the flats, they were meted out with rude treatment," they said.

Even those owners, who were ready to give the apartments, were seeking very high rent. The flat owners demanded that the government should directly intervene to ensure the rehabilitation of the residents.

Rehabilitation assured

Fort Kochi sub-collector Snehil Kumar Singh, who is tasked with the demolition of the Maradu apartments, said problems arising with rehabilitation would be resolved.

"Once the information on those who need rehabilitation is collected, taluk officers would directly hold talks with the apartment owners and arrange for accommodation," he said.

The district administration had handed over the list during a discussion held with the district collector the other day. However, the list was allegedly prepared without talking to the apartment owners directly. The district authorities did not enquire if they were ready to give the apartments on rent. Those flats, which do not have occupancy certificates, were reportedly on the list prepared by the district administration.

Meanwhile, the residents continued to move out their articles from the to-be razed flats even on Monday. Those residing at the H2O Holy Faith property, which was the protest venue, are also making arrangements to shift out. However, the flat owners have asserted that they would move out only after they are assured of accommodation.

Demolition experts to take over

An insurance cover would be provided for the Maradu flats. In case of any accident, the entire responsibility would be on the firm that has been tasked with the demolition.

"All these points would be included in the contract deal to signed with the firm," Snehil Kumar Singh said.

A decision regarding the company would be taken in three days. The contract would be finalised by October 9. The administration plans to hand over the flats and the plot to the company by October 11. The flats would be demolished through controlled explosion. A decision on the exact date for demolition would be taken later, the Fort Kochi sub-collector said.

The Supreme Court had ordered for the demolition of the flats in its order on May 8. Though the flat owners had sought to contest this order, the SC refused the entertain their pleas.

The SC had last week ordered the demolition to be carried out within 138 days and asked the state government to pay an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each flat owner.