Maradu flats to be demolished by controlled explosion; residents protest, commotion during council meeting

KOCHI: The Maradu Municipality has begun procedures to carry out the Supreme court orders regarding the demolition of the flats in Maradu. As per sources, the municipality has issued a notification seeking for expert companies to carry out the demolition process. It has been decided that the buildings will be demolished using controlled explosion method.

It is learnt that the authorities will soon issue notices to the flat residents asking them to evacuate. Meanwhile, flat residents have raised protests during a council meeting which was held in the Municipality building on Tuesday. The meeting also saw commotion between the ruling and opposing parties.

Earlier, the Supreme court had ordered that the flats at Maradu must be demolished within September 20. Following this, Chief Secretary Tom Jose had come to visit the flats. However, he was blocked from entering the flats as residents held protests against the authorities' actions. The order was issued by the apex court as it found out that the flats had violated the Coastal Regulation rules.