Eviction notice at Kochi's Chander Kunj Army Towers; Rs 80 crore rehabilitation project on cards

KOCHI: An 80 crore project has been announced to rehabilitate the six-year-old Chander Kunj Army Towers, which is in danger of collapse in Silver Sand Island, Kochi. The promoters Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO) submitted the project details to the High Court. This was submitted after a petition was made by a flat owner, Colonel Sibi George.

The plan is to relocate residents in all 208 flats in the 29-storey B and C towers and return them by May 2026 after completing the strengthening works. The work will start on July 15 and will be completed in 21 months. Residents have been issued notices to vacate the flats before June 30.

AWHO will bear the entire cost of the project. The flats will be handed over to the owners only after inspection and approval by the District Disaster Management Authority. This was informed by AWHO's Kochi Project Director Lt. Colonel Siddharth Singhal in the report submitted to the High Court.

AWHO will pay Rs 21,000 per month to the residents of B Tower and Rs 23,000 per month to those in C Tower to stay in an alternative place until the renovation works are completed.

“The A.W.H.O. is arbitrarily deploying mysterious tactics without any consultation; disregarding the order to urgently evacuate residents. Even if it is strengthened with an investment of 80 crores, the guarantee is only ten years. It is better to demolish the towers and construct a new building.” said Colonel Sibi George.