Denied rent money, retd Colonel & wife stay in crumbling Chander Kunj army towers, survive ceiling collapse

Kochi: A large section of the concrete ceiling of the rear lobby at Tower C of Chander Kunj Army Apartments in Vyttila’s Silver Sand Island came crashing down late Friday night, raising fresh alarm over the safety of the long-damaged residential complex built by the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO). 

The incident occurred around midnight, sending shockwaves through the near-deserted complex that has already been ordered vacated and slated for demolition following a Kerala High Court order. Only one resident, Colonel Ciby George (Retd.), continues to live in Tower C, which now stands mostly empty after all other families in Tower B and C moved out. 

“The concrete ceiling broke and fell in the night with a huge sound. Luckily, nobody was there; otherwise, it could have been fatal. Along with the large concrete chunk, a portion of the false ceiling that covered the piping also came down. My wife and I woke up hearing the loud noise. Small pieces have been falling for three years, but this was the biggest collapse yet. It shows how unsafe this building has become,” said George. 

Despite repeated orders to vacate, George and his wife remain in their apartment – not out of defiance, but because he has yet to receive the six months’ advance rent from AWHO through the Ernakulam District Collector’s office, as directed by the High Court.

Earlier, on September 14, District Collector Priyanka G ordered the disbursal of ₹2.97 crore, deposited by AWHO in the escrow account, in rent advances to 152 residents of Towers B and C, which were found structurally unsafe. Tower B residents were to receive ₹1.8 lakh each (₹30,000 per month for six months), while Tower C residents were allotted ₹2.1 lakh each (₹35,000 per month).

However, George’s name was missing from the initial list prepared by the Resident Welfare Association (RWA), which he claims was acting “in collusion with AWHO” against dissenting owners.

“They deliberately left me out because I questioned the AWHO and the RWA’s decisions. I filed a complaint with the collector, but it’s been delayed endlessly. I cannot afford to rent a flat without that amount. I live here alone with my wife in a crumbling building. Even janitor services have been stopped, and guests are denied entry under the pretext of safety,” George said. 

At a meeting held on October 14, the Collector directed AWHO to pay George his due rent without further delay. The AWHO had initially deposited rent for 152 eligible residents in an escrow account, but excluded non-resident owners. However, a High Court division bench order on September 10 extended rent eligibility to all owners, including non-residents. 

When contacted, Deputy Collector K Manoj confirmed awareness of the ceiling collapse and said that steps were being taken to expedite George’s payment. “The collector has already sent a notice to AWHO to release his rent advance. AWHO has informed us they are processing the rent for nearly 50 additional owners, including Colonel George, after the High Court order. However, the building is unsafe, and he must vacate immediately. We will issue a fresh notice,” Manoj said.

The latest collapse once again emphasises the need for demolishing the dangerously weakened towers. Experts have repeatedly warned that the reinforced concrete structures have deteriorated beyond repair, posing a serious threat not only to occupants but even to passersby. 

Tower A, which is structurally fit and located adjacent to the condemned Tower B, still houses several families, including children. Residents of Tower A continue to use the shared common areas near Towers B and C, where the ceiling collapse occurred. 

“The children’s park lies right next to Tower C, and residents often take their morning and evening walks around the crumbling buildings. So they are exposed to the constant risk of falling concrete and debris, highlighting the urgent need for swift demolition,” George said.

The High Court had ordered the demolition and reconstruction of Towers B and C months ago, following reports of severe structural defects. The tenders for project management, consultancy, and demolition contractors are yet to be issued. Deputy collector Manoj said it is expected to be done next week.