Crowds watching the collapse from rooftops of nearby high-rises cheered and clapped as the 103-meter (338 ft) towers collapsed during a controlled demolition. The high court last year ordered the demolition of the towers in the Noida district after a lengthy court hearing found that they violated multiple building regulations and fire safety standards. More than 3,700 kilograms (8,100 pounds) of explosives were detonated at about 2:30 p.m., officials told local media. The explosives were strategically placed to ensure minimum damage to the area, they added. Police said they were assessing whether there was any damage. Local residents said they would check if their properties were damaged. Such demolitions are rare in India despite rampant illegal construction. Thousands of people fled their homes near the blast site for about 10 hours and dozens of police and emergency personnel were deployed to demolish the towers containing 850 unoccupied flats. Traffic was slowly being restored and firefighters were using water sprinklers to reduce dust levels around the Apex and Ceyane towers, which were at the edge of a busy highway connecting India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, with the capital. Some buildings in the area were covered with white plastic sheets to protect them from the debris. On Twitter, many people said the decision to blow up the towers was a stern action against corruption and will serve as an example and warning to builders and construction companies. The explosion was expected to leave more than 80,000 tons of debris, most of which will be used to fill the site and the rest for recycling. Many families moved to safe areas on Saturday, fearing increased pollution and health risks from the debris. Sudeep Roy, owner of a four-room flat in a nearby low-rise building, said he booked hotel rooms last week to spend the night with family and friends. “It’s better to stay away from the blast site for 24 hours because the air will become toxic and we don’t know how it might affect our health,” said Roy, a mechanical engineer and father of twin boys, one of whom is suffering. from asthma.
