Massive demolition exercise in Noida

Context

The demolition of the Supertech Twin towers (Noida) using controlled implosion has highlighted the need for interventions to mitigate pollution and waste, post-demolition.

About

The demolition was done by a method known as the ‘waterfall technique’ to minimize damage to the surroundings.
The waterfall technique means that the debris will fall like water. Implosion is the method used for such urban demolitions which need controlled detonations.
An explosion, on the contrary, would result in debris being flung far across directions.

Areas of concern:

Dust: This demolition has produced large amounts of dust. The dust and gases will get diluted in the air and will get dispersed.
Particulate Matter: Heavier dust particles will settle down soon but the light particulate matter (PM) will probably remain in the air for weeks.
Environmental concerns: Demolition causes lots of environmental degradation, like
- impact on the ground (shock waves) in case of demolition by the blast
- noise pollution
- spread of fine particles in the air
Health hazards: Health concerns related to respiratory issues, skin ailments, as well as allergic disorders can come up with the people living in the vicinity.
- There is an increase in lead, silica, and asbestos in the atmosphere and a tremendous amount of PM10 and PM2.5 particles.
- Increased lead exposure may lead to headaches, tiredness, irritability and constipation, silicosis, etc.
- Silt accumulation in drainage systems can lead to problems like water-borne and parasite diseases.

Air Quality: The Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board mentioned Noida’s AQI to be at 120. This is considered to be ‘moderate’.

Prime Minister inaugurates Narmada canal

Polity & Governance Government Interventions and Policies

S. Subhramaniam Balaji vs Tamil Nadu Judgement (the issue of freebies),

Polity & Governance Acts and Amendments

Kedambadi Ramayya Gowda’s statue to be installed in Mangaluru

History Modern History

India refers to ‘militarization’ of Taiwan Strait in spat with Chinese envoy

International Relations India and its Neighbourhood

Russia blocks nuclear treaty agreement over Ukraine reference

International Relations Miscellaneous

SC must undo Justice

Polity & Governance