Kochi is witnessing a significant legal challenge as a resident of the Chander Kunj Army Towers at Silver Sand Island has filed an interlocutory application with the high court, seeking urgent intervention concerning the safety of the apartment complex. The case is set to be heard by the bench of Justice C P Mohamed Nias on Friday.
The petitioner, Ciby George, has raised serious concerns regarding the structural integrity of the buildings. He claims that several expert agencies, including the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, have conducted assessments and deemed the apartment buildings unsafe for habitation. George underscores the urgency of the matter, asserting that the continued occupation of these structures poses a grave risk to the residents’ lives.
In his application, George criticized the Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO), alleging that they are aware of the precarious situation yet are attempting to shift responsibility onto the court in the event of a disaster. He highlighted the recommendations from these expert agencies, which called for immediate action and remediation to safeguard the inhabitants.
This is not the first time George has sought judicial relief regarding this issue. He previously filed a writ petition mandating the Ernakulam collector to take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the towers. The ongoing situation has sparked concern among the residents and raised questions about accountability and the state of military housing in the region. With the high court’s upcoming deliberation, the outcome could have significant implications for the safety of the affected residents and the future of the Chander Kunj Army Towers.
