Twin towers of Chander Kunj Army Apartments in Vyttil, Kochi. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT (file)
Residents of Chander Kunj Army Apartments have strongly objected to a reported attempt by the Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO) to renege on tripartite agreements in the appointment of a Project Management Consultant (PMC) and a demolition contractor for the proposed demolition and reconstruction of the Army Twins at Vytilla in Ernakulam district.
The matter came up for discussion in the first meeting on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) of a sub-committee headed by an officer of the Fort Kochi Finance Division, set up to conduct weekly inspections and ensure strict adherence to the demolition and reconstruction process. The sub-committee was formed based on a decision taken in the last meeting of the District Collector’s Committee, which was set up at the behest of the Kerala High Court to oversee the demolition and reconstruction of the twin towers in view of the Collector’s tight schedule.
At the sub-committee meeting, AWHO expressed its objection to becoming a signatory to the agreement, which was met with stiff opposition from representatives of the Chander Kunj Army Towers Apartment Owners Association (CATAOA). The agreement is to be signed by CATAOA, AWHO and the selected demolition consultant and contractor. “We have made it clear beyond all doubt that AWHO not being a signatory to a project funded by them is non-negotiable as it has already been decided at the Funding Committee. We see this as a delaying tactic on the part of AWHO,” said Sajie Shankar, a member of the CATAOA Executive Committee.
Global Tenders
At the meeting, it was decided to finalize the RFP documents for the appointment of a demolition consultant and contractor and to issue global tenders on February 24.
Representatives of CATAOA and AWHO reportedly clashed over multiple issues. Condo owners insisted that the new developments be green buildings, pointing out that the towers slated for demolition followed green protocol. AWHO objected, claiming that the apartment owners were already enjoying tax benefits at the time of registration. “Demolition of buildings within seven years of construction is itself a major environmental loss, all the more reason to follow a green protocol for future constructions to offset the damage,” Mr. Shankar said.
AWHO further insisted that since the existing buildings did not have a pool, they were not required to provide one in the new structures. However, CATAOA disputed this, claiming that the original construction plan submitted to AWHO for approval included a provision for a pool, which they eventually reverted to.
Published – 19 Feb 2026 17:18 IST