Kochi: The properties set for demolition at Maradu over violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms are finally being emptied of its residents and movable assets. Emotional scenes were witnessed at the apartments on Thursday, the deadline set for vacating the flats. Residents were seen busy packing their articles and moving out even as they bid farewell to their homes.
Most evacuees were in tears as they took apart the interiors that they had painstakingly set up by shelling out lakhs of rupees. Bathroom fittings too were removed.
The occupants of the H2O Holy Faith apartments at Kundannoor had tried their best to hold on their homes. They were the last to make preparations for moving out.
Occupants of 243 out of the 326 flats have vacated, government sources told Manorama Online.
Out of 38 families in Holy Faith H20, 10 NRI flats remain locked. 18 flats are yet to be evacuated and 10 flats have been vacated. All the flats in Jain Coral Cove apartments have been vacated.
Kottayam native Nebu Kuriakose and wife Shweta had lived for just one day at the flat. Nebu, who works at an American oil firm, had to make a hasty return. Nebu’s brother Binu helped Shweta in the shifting.
They had brought the house entirely on a loan of Rs 93 lakh. They have to pay back Rs 80,000 every month. The couple spent another Rs 35-40 lakh on the interior decorations. Among other articles, they would even have to take apart the wooden flooring. As they don't have enough time to shift out, they would have to forsake several of their priced articles.
The residents lamented that the government did not give them more time to shift out. Adding to their concerns, finding another property for temporary stay is an ordeal. It is not easy finding a flat on rent and huge rents are being demanded for those that are available.
Earlier, Ernakulam District Collector S Suhas told reporters that 42 flats have been readied for rehabilitation and all assistance will be provided for them to vacate. About 20 volunteers will also assist those who were vacating.
The Supreme Court had on May 8 ordered for the demolition of the apartment complexes – H20 Holy Faith, Alpha Serene, Golden Kayaloram and Jain Coral Cove. Though the flat owners had filed petitions against this, these were not entertained.
The apex court had last week instructed the government to carry out the demolition within 138 days.
Rs 1 crore to municipality
Meanwhile, the government has allocated Rs 1 crore to Maradu municipality to meet the expenses for emptying the flats and rehabilitating its residents.
The finance department granted the money after considering a request from the municipality. The money was taken from the fund for local administrative bodies.
Probe on
The Crime Branch has seized from the Maradu municipality the main files on the construction of these flats. The officers also questioned two people, who were ruling council members when Maradu was a panchayat.
The statements of the flat owners were also taken.
A meet led by Crime Branch ADGP Tomin J Thachankary assessed the progress in the investigation on Thursday. After the meeting, he said the probe was in the right direction.
"The crime has been proved. Now, the culprits have to be nabbed. We would soon identify them. Not just the builders are at fault. Even the officials would be questioned. The charge-sheet would be submitted in three months," he said.