AWHO is willing to bear the “economic burden” of demolishing and rebuilding the Army Tower

Chander Kunj Army Twin Towers in Vyttila | Image Source: File Photos

The Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO) expressed its willingness to bear the “full financial burden of demolition and reconstruction”, the Chander Kunj Army Twin Towers on Vyttila Silversand Island.

The organization clarified its position in a review petition filed by the Kerala High Court on February 3. The court ordered the demolition and reconstruction of the Twin Towers, following the structural issues they identified. The AWHO noted that the Rs 175 crore mentioned in the court’s complaint cannot be considered as the final amount of the proposed demolition and reconstruction of the building.

The committee, formed by regional collector NSK UMESH as convener, aims to oversee the proposed demolition and reconstruction and noted in the affidavit that the AWHO designated inadequate of Rs 1.75 crore is insufficient and may require Rs 211 crore estimated by the Public Works Department (PWD) and structural experts.

The court also directed the Residents Association’s Army Tower Association to notify the District Committee of the number of owners who choose the buyback option within one week. “It has been pointed out that some allocated people favor the buyback option rather than waiting for the demolition and reconstruction process,” the court noted.

The court directed collectors to convene a meeting within two weeks to finalize a timetable for demolition and reconstruction. “The proposed programme of action should be provided with a clear picture of the stages, detailing the estimated costs for reconstruction and demolition calculations.” The Commission should also notify AWHO of the amount required for the first phase of the decision, and AWHO should pay appropriately.

The court noted that the court required collectors to submit compliance reports by May 20, 2025. The review of the pending petition shall not prevent the Commission from executing other instructions in its judgment, including the order, including the order.