Kochi P&T flat owners issue ultimatum and threaten to lay siege to GCDA office over persistent leakage

A resident points out leakage stains on the walls of her apartment in P&T Apartment complex in Mundamveli, Kochi. (File) | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Residents of P&T Apartment Towers in Mundamveli, Kochi, frustrated by the constant leakage of their flats since they moved in two years ago, have issued an ultimatum threatening to lay siege to the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which awarded the project.

The P&T Flat Owners Association issued an ultimatum to the GCDA secretary on Tuesday (May 19, 2026). Residents have been protesting the ongoing leakage since 78 families moved in in January 2024. They also raised concerns about cracks and alleged leaning in the buildings, issues that have remained largely unresolved.

Cracks and bulges seen on the upper water tank at P&T Apartment Complex in Mundamveli, Kochi. (File) | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

“We will be at the gate of the GCDA office if a drop of water falls on us in the next rain. We have had enough of waiting for the leniency of the authorities to resolve our difficulties,” said Abhilash P. Parameswaran, president of P&T Apartment Owners Association.

The bathroom is leaking

After a long delay, a pilot project to plug bathroom leaks was launched in April this year, as recommended by IIT Madras, which has been appointed as a consultant to address structural deficiencies. Two coats of the impervious solution were applied to the floor of one bathroom in the apartment, which was then left flooded for about 10 days to test its effectiveness. “While it was found to be effective, the residents objected to its use in all bathrooms at once. Instead, they insisted that it be tried on a select few to further convince them. We are now preparing an estimate along these lines,” said technical sources at GCDA.

Meanwhile, the fibrous plastering of the exterior of the twins, originally planned to cover the leak and estimated to cost ₹28 million, has been abandoned. “IIT Madras rejected the proposal and instead recommended a different methodology focusing on joints using leak prevention quality solutions. However, the residents opposed its implementation and insisted that representatives of IIT Madras convince them in a meeting. We have started file management and preparation of an estimate, though implementation will depend on the outcome of such a meeting,” sources said.

Work on the proposed truss, complete with solar panels, funded by the local MLA’s development allocation, has also not progressed. An assessment report by IIT Madras found that some of the structural work did not comply with the Indian Standard Code IS 800:2007, which governs steel structures, and recommended reinforcement to support the roof truss and solar panels. The report further warned that continuous exposure to moisture could lead to progressive corrosion and eventual loss of serviceability unless immediate waterproofing and anti-corrosion measures were taken.

Published – 19 May 2026 16:57 IST