NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court rejected the demand to consider the plea related to the Maradu flat immediately. The court rejected the plea filed by N G Abhilash, a native of Maradu, seeking an environment impact assessment before demolishing the Maradu flats.

The petitioner said he had been living in the neighbourhood for the past 60 years and the demolition of the massive buildings would cause havoc in the area. It was therefore requested that an environmental impact study be conducted. Any expert team including NEER, IIT and NIT should be appointed for environmental studies. He also demanded that those who violated the law for environmental damage be fined.

Meantime, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had assured at the all-party meeting that he would do everything to protect legally the residents of the flats. The meeting convened decided to move the apex court again to inquire about the legal possibility of not demolishing the flats. The government said a senior advocate of the Supreme Court will appear for them.

Meantime, Chennai IIT said demolition of flats cannot be completed within a limited time. It will be harmful to the environment and it will also affect the nearby buildings. Residential buildings, canals, trees and plants will be damaged. Air pollution can occur at least within a kilometer. Removal of debris would be a liability, the IIT had mentioned.