INDIA/
NOIDA:
The tallest buildings ever torn down in the nation were two illegally built towers, which Indian police razed on Sunday in the capital New Delhi in less than 10 seconds.
The 103-meter (338-foot) tall skyscrapers crumbled after a controlled demolition, and those watching from rooftops of surrounding high-rise buildings applauded and clapped as the dust engulfed the residential area.
After a protracted legal struggle, the Supreme Court last year ruled that the towers in the Noida area had broken numerous construction codes and fire safety standards and ordered their removal.
Over 3,700 kg (8,100 pounds) of explosives were used around 2:30 pm (0900 GMT), officials told local media. Strategically placed explosives were meant to ensure minimal damage to the area.
Police said they were assessing whether any damage had occurred. Nearby residents said they would check whether their properties had been damaged. Such demolitions are rare in India despite rampant illegal construction.
Thousands had vacated their apartments near the blast site for about 10 hours, and scores of police and emergency personnel were deployed for the demolition of the towers containing 850 unoccupied apartments.
A view of Supertech Twin Towers ahead of its scheduled demolition. PHOTO: REUTERS
Traffic was being slowly restored and firefighters were using water sprinklers to bring the dust levels down around the Apex and Ceyane towers, which had stood on the edge of a busy highway linking India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, to the capital.
Some buildings in the vicinity were covered in white plastic sheets to protect them from debris.
On Twitter, many people said the decision to blow up the towers was a strict action against corruption and would serve as an example and warning for builders and construction companies.
The blast was expected to leave over 80,000 tonnes of rubble, most to be used to fill the site and the rest to be recycled.
Several families moved to safety on Saturday, fearing heightened pollution and health hazards from the massive debris.
Sudeep Roy, owner of a four-room apartment in a nearby low-rise building, said he booked hotel rooms last week to spend the night with family and friends.
The air will become toxic and we won’t know for sure how it will affect our health, so it’s advisable to avoid the bomb site for 24 hours, said Roy, a mechanical engineer and father of twin sons, one of whom has asthma.
