Kochi: The State Government has directed the Maradu municipality to take steps to evict residents in order to facilitate the demolition of four contentious flats at Maradu, to comply with a Supreme Court order in this regard.
The flats are Golden Kayaloram, H20 Holy Faith, Alfa Serene, Jains Coral Cave and Holiday Heritage. A copy of the notice directing the same has been issued to the District Collector, Ernakulam.
The notice issued by the Deputy Secretary for Local-Self Government on behalf of Additional Chief Secretary to Maradu Municipal Secretary states that Government of Kerala will render all assistance to the Maradu Municipality to implement the order of the Supreme Court to demolish them. “I am also directed to inform you that non-compliance of the Supreme Court order will be viewed very seriously and will invite disciplinary action,” the letter said.
The letter pointed out that the Supreme Court had ordered to remove all these structures within one month of its order on May 8 this year. However, no action was taken on it by the Maradu Municipality Secretary who has to implement it.
Now again the Supreme Court has ordered to comply with the order before September 20 and file a compliance report. The letter directed the municipal secretary to act immediately and furnish a compliance report before the government by September 18 to enable it to submit the same before the Supreme Court by September 20.
“Take urgent action to evacuate the inhabitants in the buildings mentioned in the order and rehabilitate them in co-ordination with the District Collector, Ernakulam. Immediately invite short tender to select a suitable agency for the safe and secure demolition of the buildings mentioned in the order of the Supreme Court,” said the notice.
Meanwhile, the Maradu municipal chairperson T.H. Nadeera said that the municipality will not be in a position to demolish the flats on its own and the help of the District Collector will be sought for it. She also said that an urgent meeting of the municipal council will be held to discuss the issue. She had earlier made clear that `30 crore was needed to undertake the task.
