HC orders demolition of Army Welfare Association’s towers
The Hindu
Kerala High Court orders demolition and reconstruction of Chander Kunj Army Towers due to serious structural issues.
The Kerala High Court on Monday ordered the demolition and reconstruction of Tower B and C of Chander Kunj Army Towers on Silversand Island, Vytilla, developed by the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO), which had faced serious structural problems.
Justice Mohammed Nias C.P. issued the order “to prevent casualties and protect lives and properties”. The order came on a batch of writ petitions filed by the association of the owners of the two towers as well as some of the owners.
They had challenged an order of the District Collector directing retrofitting and seeking reconstruction as well as compensation. The Collector on March 29, 2024 had also issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for immediate evacuation.
The apartments had been built solely for serving and retired defence personnel and their dependents.
The court observed that ”the distress to the towers is undeniably human-induced, causing significant loss and suffering due to cumulative violations of regulatory, structural, and environmental standards. Continued occupation poses grave risks, necessitating immediate evacuation to ensure community safety. Considering the expert reports, the Kerala Municipalities Act 1994, the Kerala Municipality Building Rules 1999, and the Disaster Management Act 2005, and the order passed by the District Collector, Ernakulam, there is no alternative but to direct AWHO to demolish and reconstruct the towers.”
The court directed the District Collector to constitute a committee comprising experts, including an experienced structural engineer, two owners from the residents association, an experienced engineer from the municipality concerned, an experienced officer from the Town Planning Department, and such other personnel necessary for a proper implementation of the demolition and reconstruction of the towers with equal size and facilities.
The court ordered that the committee should meet within two weeks and decide the modalities for evacuation of the allottees, demolition, and reconstruction of the towers in question.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
Woman trampled to death by elephant near Lower Camp reserve forest, sparking fear among villagers.
Upalokayuktas K.N. Phaneendra and B. Veerappa on Monday conducted an inspection of the Mittaganahalli waste dumping yard, where nearly 380 to 400 garbage trucks unload waste from across Bengaluru everyday. They directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to resolve the problems aired by the residents living in the vicinity.
Intense campaigning for Delhi Assembly polls by AAP, BJP, and Congress, focusing on welfare schemes and promises for voters.
Mumbai court sends Torres investment fraud accused to judicial custody; advocates argue innocence of arrested individuals.
Massive Bryde's Whale skeleton attracts crowds at CMFRI open house, highlighting marine conservation efforts and research works.
Trinamool Congress leader apologizes for alleging party sold key positions for money, blames I-PAC for corrupt practices.
SIT struggles to recover stolen bitcoins in ongoing investigation involving hacking, cheating, and NDPS violations, with slow progress.
All eyes in the BJP are now on developments in Delhi as rebel leaders are set to meet the central leaders on Tuesday to complain against party State president B.Y. Vijayendra and to seek his replacement.
Opposition protests in Parliament over Maha Kumbh stampede, demanding accountability and discussion on the tragic incident.
Madras High Court questions Tamil Nadu government's separate LGBTQIA+ policies, emphasizes need for consolidated approach.
Compressed biogas plant at Brahmapuram to be commissioned by March-end, part of waste-free Kerala initiative.
While the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) policy of allowing apartments to sell treated sewage water is a new alternative water source, the real challenge lies in the transportation of this water. Apartment complexes with surplus treated water are finding it difficult to sell it as tankers are not available, among other logistical reasons.
Chaos erupts at Koothattukulam municipality council meeting as UDF demands resignation of CPI(M) chairperson amid protests.
Private bus services in Kundapur-Udupi-Mangaluru sector may be disrupted due to protests against toll gate fees.
Kerala High Court orders demolition and reconstruction of Chander Kunj Army Towers due to serious structural issues.
Forest Department staff create fire lines in fire-prone areas to prevent forest fires, engaging tribal communities for employment.
Madras High Court orders confiscation of vehicles used for illegal dumping of medical waste to deter offenders.
Joint Action Committee of Guest Lecturers’ Association protests for salary increase, demanding implementation of UGC recommendation of ₹57,500 per month.