DLF says it took necessary approvals for Kochi housing complex

Company reacting to Dec 8 Kerala HC order directing it to demolish certain portions of its apartment complex

Realty firm DLF Limited said it had acquired all necessary approvals for the development of housing project at Kochi and would take appropriate measures after reading the recent order of Kerala High Court.

The company was reacting to the Kerala High Court’s order on Monday directing it to demolish certain portions of its apartment complex constructed on the banks of Chilavanoor backwaters in Kochi in violation of the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms.

Justice AV Ramakrishna Pillai issued the direction while disposing of a petition filed by AV Antony of Kochi against the construction alleging that there was a violation of CRZ notification. The court’s order said there had been encroachments even into the backwaters by more than 100 meters.  

Responding to the order, DLF said the company was awaiting full text of the order, after which it would take appropriate remedial measures in consultation with its legal counsel.

The company’s arm, DLF Home Developers, has been made aware of the order passed by the single bench of High Court regarding its ‘Riverside Project’ at Chilavanoor, Vyttila, Kochi, the company added in a filing.

Stating the company is highly compliant and takes all necessary approvals very seriously, DLF said:”In case of ‘Riverside’ project also, all required approvals like building permit, NOC from the Pollution Control Board, fire & rescue department, Naval airport, and also final orders of environment-cum-CRZ clearance have been taken.”

DLF asserted it had not “committed any violations” and that its actions have been consistent with various approvals that had been obtained by due application of proper process, and as have been endorsed by concerned authorities in various forums from time to time.

The company in a press release informed that in recent months since the controversy on Riverside project erupted, there have been two high court orders.

According to it, the order in August 2014 clarified the state government and the chief secretary have no jurisdiction over the approvals granted by State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) or the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF). And any observations by the state government could be treated as for information purpose only.