Kerala govt rejects flat owners' demand for more time to vacate

Kerala government on Wednesday rejected residents' demand for more time to vacate ir flats in four illegal apartment complexes and said y would stick to October 3 deline set for leaving place. Authorities said y were going ahe as per 138-day action plan for demolishing buildings, and warned residents of legal consequences if y refuse to move out by tomorrow

Residents allege faultily in arranging accommodation

" deline (for vacating flats) ends tomorrow. That is direction (from government)," a senior official of Maru municipality told reporters. He said power and water supply to apartment complexes, temporarily restored two days ago for facilitating smooth relocation of residents, would be disconnected automatically on Thursday.

As deline for vacating ir flats nears, residents, alleged that temporary dwellings for m have been arranged by ministration so far. flat owners said y would t leave buildings till authorities complete arrangements for ir relocation."We are caught in between devil and deep blue sea," a resident said. y threatened to relaunch ir protest seeking a humanitarian approach from authorities. According to m, at least 10 days were required for relocation from ir flats. Ernakulam district ministration said those who want assistance in finding a home can approach authorities of Maru municipality. authorities commenced eviction process on Sunday by visiting owners to help m relocate.

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ministration claims to have identified 500 flats for rehabilitation

On Tuesday, residents h said y were receiving embarrassing responses when y contact people entrusted by ministration to arrange alternative houses for m in city. Earlier, ministration h claimed that y have identified over 500 flats in city and its premises for relocation of people living in four apartment complexes for ir temporary rehabilitation. ministration h also provided mobile and telephone numbers of those to be contacted for getting accommodation.

343 waterfront flats built in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone rms are located in Maru municipality here. ding more woes to authorities, people living in neighbourhood have sought an assurance from government on issue of equate compensation if ir houses are damd when unauthorised buildings are demolished by controlled implosion. Locals have said area would witness strong protests if authorities do t give m assurance on compensation. Authorities have reportedly zeroed in on three firms having experience in demolishing structures using controlled implosion method.

Last week, Supreme Court h directed demolition of apartment complexes within 138 days, a time-line given by Kerala government, and asked state to pay Rs 25 lakh interim compensation to each flat owner within four weeks.

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