The Kerala High Court has ordered the demolition and reconstruction of Towers B and C of the Chanderkunj Army Towers at Silver Sand Island, Vyttila, citing severe structural distress. The verdict follows a prolonged legal battle over the poor quality of construction, despite the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) arguing for retrofitting instead of demolition. 

Justice CP Mohammed Nias ruled that the demolition was necessary to prevent casualties and safeguard residents. The court directed the district collector to form a committee comprising an experienced structural engineer, two resident association representatives, a municipal engineer, and a town planning officer. The committee must finalise the evacuation, demolition, and reconstruction process within two weeks. 

The court also mandated AWHO to compensate residents with Rs 21,000 per month for Tower B and Rs 23,000 per month for Tower C to cover rental expenses during reconstruction. Additionally, AWHO must disburse Rs 1.75 billion as per the committee’s recommendations. The committee will also determine any additional amount residents may need to contribute before taking possession of the new building. 

Originally built for serving and retired army personnel, the towers were handed over in 2018 but showed structural defects within the first year. Multiple expert reports, including one from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, confirmed severe issues, prompting the court to prioritise safety over retrofitting. 

(manorama)