Maradu: Two builders seek compenstaion claiming flat ownership

Two Maradu flat builders have filed an application before the court-appointed committee to seek compensation claiming that there are flats in their children's names. The application has been moved to consider said the panel. The committee has also recommended Rs 25 lakh for another 23 flat owners and reiterated all flat owners should be given at least Rs 25 lakhs. The builders have been asked to deposit Rs 20 crore within one month.

SC slams Kerala Government for allowing construction

In September, the SC slammed Kerala Government for allowing constructions in the coastal zones. The bench also reiterated all the Government to take account of those officials involved in the matter. The Bench has also asserted Kerala Chief Secretary will be held accountable if the court's orders are not followed.  

Earlier, the SC refused to entertain the flat owner's plea who sought a stay on the demolition of the buildings. The court had ordered Kerala Government to demolish the buildings within 138 days. The Court also directed the freezing of the assets of the builders and promoters who were involved in the construction of illegal buildings in the coastal zone areas of Kochi.

Maradu flats handed to two firms for demolition

The flats at the site have been handed over to two firms for demolition. There were also concerns that the dumping material will be discarded in the sea after the demolition is complete. Assuring the civic body's plan the sub-collector said, "There is no plan to dump any material into the water. It will be discarded in a way that won't affect the water bodies.” 

In 2006, Maradu Panchayat granted permission for the construction of five waterfront apartments, overlooking Kerala backwater canals. However, a few months later the panchayat issued a notice to the builders following a directive by the  Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA). The notice said the flats fall under the KCZMA category three which doesn't allow any construction within 200 meters from the coast. The builders managed to get an interim stay from the Kerala High Court in 2007 and finished the construction before starting selling the flats. 

The KCZMA then approached the Supreme Court in 2016 against the construction of the flats. Following this,  the residents were served notices to vacate the flats. However, the residents argued that this is against their right to live. 

(With ANI inputs)

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