The government should make alternative arrangements for temporary rehabilitation of people living in the four apartment complexes in Maradu in Kochi, which have been given demolition orders by the Supreme Court, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said on Thursday. He said the government should do this on humanitarian grounds.
“The stringent stand of the Supreme Court in the issue, to demolish the flats, has put the government in a crisis. There are several people who bought flats who didn't know about the facts. Action should be taken to ensure that the flat owners get their money back,” Kodiyeri said, “It's not possible for the state government to bring in legislation to bypass the court order. There are no other options for the government in the issue. The feeling of the society in general is to provide maximum assistance to the people.” While addressing media in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, he added that legal action should be taken if the builders don’t return the money.
How the government reacts in this case will be crucial, since the Supreme Court on September 23 sought a report on all buildings that violate Coastal Regulation Zone rules in the state.
Kodiyeri also hit out at the opposition, accusing them of double standards. “Former minister and Congress leader K Babu had in the past protested for the demolition of the flats – now, he opposes the demolition,” he said.
Meanwhile the district administration of Ernakulam has said that arrangements have been made to house people who would be evicted from the flats in cooperation with the Maradu municipality.
“There is no situation for anyone to be on the street, or be homeless. People should cooperate and shift elderly people and those who are sick immediately from the flats. Both the municipality and the district administration will provide all the help needed including medical assistance. Immediate action will be taken if those who need rehabilitation gave application to the Secretary of the Municipality,” the district administration said.