why was maradu flats in kochi demolished?
Answers
Answer:
Residents of Maradu Holy Faith H2O apartments staging a hunger strike (Photo | Albin Mathew, EPS)
The Supreme Court order to raze down five residential complexes in Maradu Grama Panchayat near Kochi had kick-started a political storm in Kerala. Here is everything you need to know about the issue.
How did the apartments come up in Maradu?
The story begins in 2006, when the CPM-ruled Maradu Panchayat granted permission for the construction for five waterfront apartments -- Holiday Heritage, Kayaloram, Alfa Ventures, Holy Faith and Jain Housing -- overlooking the scenic canals of Kochi backwaters. The 343 flats in the five buildings cover an area of 68,028.71 sq mts.
But, just nine months after granting permission, the panchayat issued a notice to the builders following a directive by the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA).
Why did KCZMA object the construction?
The government body said the site fell under the CRZ-III vulnerable category where no construction is allowed within 200 metres from the coast. Any such act will be identified and acted upon as a violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules.
It was also revealed that a directive issued by the KCZMA makes it mandatory for self-government bodies to obtain its clearance before approving constructions in coastal areas. But Maradu panchayat didn't forward any application to gain a CRZ permit for the five complexes.
Holy Faith H2O apartment | EPS
What is CRZ?
The CRZ norms are framed under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to promote sustainable development based on scientific principles.
No construction is allowed within 200 metres from the coast in areas falling under CRZ-III zone while it is 50 metres from for CRZ-II.