The Kerala High Court has taken a significant step in addressing the ongoing disputes concerning the Chander Kunj Army Towers located on Silversand Island in Vyttila, Kochi. The court has directed the local residents’ association and the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) based in New Delhi to propose candidates for a panel aimed at amicably resolving the issues stemming from serious structural cracks in the buildings.
This judicial intervention follows a petition filed by Johnson Chacko Verghese, a retired Army officer, who raised concerns over a decision that permitted AWHO to retrofit the problematic structures and reintroduce occupants. The Chander Kunj Army Towers were constructed for the benefit of serving and retired defense personnel as well as their families. However, shortly after the completion of the towers, which house a total of 624 flats across three towers, significant structural issues began to emerge, with two of the towers exhibiting signs of extreme distress within the first year. Residents reported that large pieces of concrete were falling off, and tiles were popping up, revealing severely corroded reinforcement bars. This deterioration has consistently endangered the lives of those living in these apartments.
Earlier this week, the High Court expressed its concern over the living conditions and requested details about the residents to facilitate alternative housing solutions. This request was made while reviewing additional petitions submitted by Ciby George, another retired Army officer with a background in civil engineering, alongside other occupants who have been pressing for immediate measures to ensure their safety. They emphasized the urgent need for intervention due to the alarming decline in the condition of the two 29-story towers, which were constructed in 2016.
In a recent affidavit, the AWHO proposed a refund of the construction costs to the apartment owners as part of its commitment to address the grievances. Following this development, the court has provided a two-week window for all involved parties, including the petitioners, to present their suggestions and counterarguments.
The situation escalated when Mr. George filed an Interlocutory Application requesting an urgent evacuation order for residents, citing findings from multiple agencies confirming that the towers were deemed unsafe for habitation. As the discussions progress, the court’s decision to foster a dialogue between the residents and AWHO aims to pave the way for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all those affected.
