KOCHI: The Chander Kunj Army Towers located on Vyttila's Silversand Island, which began deteriorating just five years after being handed over, have become a stain on Kerala's construction sector. The complex comprises Tower A with 14 stories, and Towers B and C, each with 29 stories. In 2018, 264 individuals purchased flats in the complex, spending between Rs 60 to Rs 75 lakh each. However, within a year, several sections, including the basements, of two out of the three towers began to deteriorate.

Towers B and C contain a total of 208 flats. As the buildings weakened, nearly half of the residents gradually moved out. Although 13 agencies, including IIT Chennai and a special military team, submitted reports confirming that the structures were in a dangerous condition, the Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO) refused to acknowledge responsibility. Instead, they opted for repair efforts in an attempt to maintain the structures. The situation became serious when the District Disaster Management Authority ordered the immediate evacuation of residents. To mitigate the risk of injuries from falling debris, safety nets have now been installed up to the first-floor level around both buildings.

Even top-ranking military officers, including the recently retired Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Sarath Chand, and Vice Admiral M.D. Suresh of the Navy, own flats in Chander Kunj.

Saltwater used for concreting works
The rapid deterioration of the buildings was caused by excessive chloride content in the concrete, which led to the corrosion of reinforcement bars and crumbling of the structure. Reports suggest that brackish water from the backwaters was used for concreting, contributing to the damage. Construction defects and corruption have been identified as the primary issues. In all the floors, the concrete on the ceiling is crumbling. Tiles are breaking and the stairs are cracking. The granite slabs on the walls of the lifts are cracking and falling off. The construction contract was awarded to Shilpa Infrastructure, a prominent construction contractor in Kochi. The architects were B.R. Ajith Associates.

“I bought a flat in Chander Kunj, hoping for a peaceful retirement in a beautiful island setting in the heart of Kochi. However, it turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life. All that remains is mental anguish and financial loss. Even though there was no one to support me, I fought the case on my own and entered into a legal battle. I hope everything will be set right.”

– Retd. Colonel Ciby George, Petitioner