Kochi: Rs. 91 crores has been refunded to the owners of Maradu flats which were demolished following the finding that they had violated the Coast Protection Act. Of the Rs.120 crore Rs. 91 crore was paid to the owners of the flat. The proceedings are progressing under the supervision of the Justice Balakrishnan Nair Committee appointed by the Supreme Court. Out of 272 flat owners eligible for cash, 110 have been paid in total. The government had earlier paid interim compensation to the flat owners.
The rest of the money after deducting this amount went back to the owners from the flat builders. The builders of the Holy Faith and H2O flats are yet to pay. The property of these manufacturers who defaulted on the refund will be sold and refunded to the owners. It is hoped that the payment will be made within four months. The interim compensation paid by the government will also be deducted from the owners and paid to the government. The government wants to recover the Rs. 3 crore spent by the government for the demolition of the flats from the builders themselves. The matter is under the consideration of the Supreme Court. The panel, headed by Justice Balakrishnan Nair, comprises retired Chief Secretary K Jose Cyriac and retired Chief Engineer R Murukesan.
