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Residents of Chander Kunj Army Towers, a three-tower apartment complex constructed by the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) in Silver Sand Island, Vytilla, are living in fear as serious structural issues have rendered their dream homes unsafe. Intended as a retirement haven for over 260 families associated with the defence services, the complex has been plagued by design flaws, substandard construction, high chloride content in the concrete, and the use of low-quality materials, according to reports from reputable agencies like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Barton Hill Government Engineering College (GEC) in Thiruvananthapuram, and Bureau Veritas India Limited (BVIL).
A summary report provided by BVIL to the residents in June revealed that the buildings have a limited service life of merely 10 years in their current condition, unless extensive strengthening measures are implemented. Shockingly, the report further warned that if the necessary reinforcements are not undertaken and any structural element fails, the buildings could collapse entirely.
Understandably alarmed by these findings, the residents have taken legal action against AWHO, accusing them of attempting to conceal construction irregularities dating back to 2018, instead of prioritizing comprehensive repairs. Despite attempts to contact AWHO officials in Kochi, they have chosen not to comment. However, a statement posted on their website in January acknowledged the issues and claimed that measures were being taken to address them.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by Colonel (retd) Ciby George, one of the affected residents, who believes that the poor construction standards raise concerns about corruption in the project. Acting upon George's complaint and a court directive, the police filed a First Information Report (FIR) in June 2022, charging top AWHO officials under sections 420 and 406 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Colonel George highlighted the deteriorating condition of the buildings, pointing out that signs of damage started appearing as early as 2018, just two years after their completion. Initially, concrete began peeling off from the walls and pillars, but it wasn't long before cracks were discovered in the concrete beams, staircases, and floor slabs. Corrosion in steel rods, basement leakages, and issues with floor and wall tiling further exacerbated the situation.
AWHO attempted to downplay the damages by making superficial changes to minimize their visibility, but the true extent of the deterioration is far more severe. The beams and columns have suffered from corrosion, cracking, and spalling, causing major concern among the residents. Shockingly, the original BVIL report outlining these concerns has not been shared with the owners, leaving them in the dark about the full extent of the problems.
Residents like Colonel George invested their life savings in purchasing these flats, with prices reaching as high as Rs 75 lakh. However, they now feel deceived and betrayed. The BVIL report indicates that the estimated 10-year service life of the buildings is nearly over, making it increasingly risky for the residents to continue living there. The owners' association estimates that the necessary repairs will cost around Rs 30 crore, but such extensive renovations would require the evacuation of all occupants.
The plight of the residents in Chander Kunj Army Towers serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of compromised construction standards and the importance of stringent oversight in housing projects. It highlights the urgent need for accountability and redressal for those affected by such issues, especially when the safety and financial well-being of individuals are at stake.
This story was earlier published in ET Realty
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