New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday granted additional seven-day breather for the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida), till September 4, to demolish Supertech’s twin 40-storey towers in its Emerald project in Noida. The additional bandwidth has been granted in case of any circumstances delaying the demolition by August 28, the earlier deadline fixed by the Apex Court for the purpose.
A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud agreed with submissions of the Noida, which was represented by senior advocate Ravindra Kumar. “Considering any unforeseen circumstances/ factor or any delay in charging time on account due to technical reasons and / or weather conditions, a bandwidth of seven days between August 28 to September 4, may be granted for carrying out the demolition in the event of the not demolition not taking place on August 28, due to the aforesaid circumstances,” said the Noida’s plea.
On July 29, the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee on Friday told the Supreme Court that it has not received information regarding structural audit of nearby buildings, impact of vibration generated due to the blast, post demolition debris, etc.
The top court was informed that Edifice Engineering assured that the demolition would take place on August 21. However, DP Kanungo, a scientist at CBRI, informed the top court that the institute has not received complete information regarding the demolition of twin-towers, and also a sum of ₹70 lakh as fee. The top court had asked the Noida to take help from CBRI in connection with the demolition process.
Kanungo said the institute requires information on structural audit, vibration monitoring report, and additional information on test blast, which was carried out at the building site. He added that there is a 30Bar underground gas pipeline, which is 30m to 50 m away from the structure and it is important to find the impact of the demolition on it.
The top court noted that CBRI seeks information on blast design, ground vibration, post demolition debris, creation of dust clouds, etc., and structural audit of nearby buildings. Kanungo said a visual inspection report was submitted, which is not equivalent to the structural audit report, and also Edifice should extend full cooperation to CBRI. After hearing detailed arguments in the matter, the top court told the CBRI scientist to write an email to concerned parties in the matter regarding the information which is required, and asked Noida authority to convene a meeting of all parties on August 6.
Supertech’s Apex and Ceyane towers in Noida Sector 93A are scheduled for demolition in pursuance of a Supreme Court order last August which noted that the structures had come up in violation of building norms. Over 3,500 kg of explosive will be filled in around 9,400 holes drilled in the columns and shears of the skeletal structures of the twin towers, according to officials
(With arrangement from Insightonlinenews)
