KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the state government to implement strictly its order in the Edathala grama panchayat against allowing constructions within 2,000 yards safety zone of the Naval Armament Depot and issue notice for demolishing existing buildings in the zone.
Justice AV Ramakrishna Pillai issued the directive on a petition filed by NAD general manager seeking a directive to restrain construction work in the area.
The court also asked to implement the decision in 2009 to demolish the buildings at the safety zone of NAD.
The court also declared that the owners living within the zone was eligible for compensation and directed the government to issue notice inviting compensation. The right of the owners to get compensation had to be safeguarded, it held.The court observed that the restrictions had been imposed on the safety zone in public interest. NAD is a vital defence establishment holding large quality of explosives and ammunition for the Navy.
The civil authorities are bound to see that the restriction should be complied with in letter and spirit.
The NAD submitted that the local body was allowing constructions near the safety zone and did not comply with the directions issued to the local body by the Minister for Local Self-government.