In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has granted conditional approval for the demolition of the structurally unsafe Chander Kunj Army Towers B and C at Silver Sand Island, Vyttila, Kochi. The decision allows the Ernakulam district administration to move forward with the demolition process despite an ongoing legal challenge related to the tender awarded for the project.
The case arose after a Tamil Nadu-based demolition company challenged the decision to award the demolition contract to another firm. The petitioner argued that it had emerged as the lowest financial bidder and questioned the selection process. However, the High Court ruled that the pending petition would not prevent authorities from proceeding with the demolition, though the final outcome will remain subject to the court’s decision in the main case.
Authorities explained that the contract was awarded under a Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) system, where technical expertise carried greater weight than price alone. Given the complexity of demolishing two 26-storey residential towers in a densely populated urban area, safety credentials and previous experience were considered crucial factors in the selection process.
The Chander Kunj Army Towers project, developed by the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO), has been under scrutiny for several years following reports of serious structural defects, seepage, corrosion, and deterioration. Expert studies, including assessments by engineering institutions, concluded that Towers B and C were unsafe for long-term occupation, leading to court-directed plans for demolition and reconstruction.
The demolition project forms part of a larger reconstruction plan estimated to cost more than ₹200 crore. Previous court orders directed AWHO to bear the full cost of demolition, rehabilitation, and reconstruction while providing compensation and rental assistance to affected residents. The overall redevelopment project is expected to continue through 2029.
District authorities are expected to finalize safety measures, evacuation protocols, and demolition timelines before work begins. Specialized engineering teams will oversee the operation to ensure minimal impact on nearby structures and residents.
The High Court’s latest order effectively clears the way for one of Kerala’s most closely watched demolition projects, bringing long-awaited progress toward resolving a major public safety and housing issue in Kochi.
News as reported
