New Delhi: The Supreme Court directed Friday that demolition of flats built on the coastal zone of Kochi’s Maradu area be completed in 138 days, in accordance with the time schedule provided by the Kerala government.
The apex court also directed payment of R 25 lakh as interim compensation by the state government to each flat owner within four weeks.
The top court also ordered setting up of a one-member committee of retired high court judge to oversee demolition and assess total compensation.
A bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and S Ravindra Bhat also directed freezing of assets of builders and promoters who were involved in the construction of illegal buildings in the coastal zone areas of Kochi.
The bench further said the government may consider recovering the interim compensation amount from builders and promoters.
It should be stated here that the Supreme Court had ordered demolition of 357 waterfront flats in May this year. It said that the flats violated coastal regulation zone norms. When the Kerala government went slow, the apex court pulled up the state this month to goad it into action.
Earlier this week, the Maradu municipality, where these flats are situated, decided to cut power and water supply to wear out occupants who refuse to shift.
Agencies