KOCHI: The year 2020 started with a bang! Literally. And the shockwaves from the
demolition
of four apartment complexes in Kochi were felt nationwide. Following a Supreme Court order,
Jains Coral Cove
, H2O Holy Faith,
Alfa Serene
and
Golden Kayaloram
were pulled down -- over January 11 and 12 -- in controlled implosions for violation of coastal regulation zone rules.
Never before had the country witnessed an action of this nature. The demolition of the
Maradu highrises
was expected to serve as an eye-opener to people in power, developers as well as prospective buyers and investors.
The permission for the waterfront properties was granted before 2005 when
Maradu
was a grama panchayat. In 2007, the panchayat issued show-cause notices to five builders for violating CRZ, floor-area ratio and other building norms. As a result, one builder pulled out, while others went ahead with their projects.
As per SC order, the builders are to hand over Rs 61.50 crore as compensation to the state government, which will, in turn, distribute Rs 25 lakh to each of the evicted families. The reparation will also meet the cost of razing the buildings and expenses of a court-appointed committee.
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