Journalism of Courage
Two of the four residential apartments in Maradu, a neighbourhood in Kerala’s Kochi, came tumbling down in a controlled blast on Saturday. (In pic) The Alpha Serene Tower 1 being razed. (Express Photo)
Alfa Serene and H2O Holy Faith (in pic) were razed as per a Supreme Court order passed last year. (Photo: PRD, Govt of Kerala)
Since these two of the four residential complexes were located in highly-dense neighbourhoods with lots of small houses around its boundary walls, it was ensured that they were brought down a way that they fall vertically onto themselves, without leaning to the sides. (Photo: PRD, Govt of Kerala)
Over the past two months, workers of the two demolition firms – Edifice Engineering and Vijay Steels – have been engaged in tearing down all ancillary structures, reducing the apartments to a bare concrete skeletal frame so that the final demolition takes just a few seconds. (Photo: PRD, Govt of Kerala)
Section 144 of the CrPc was imposed in the area ahead of the demolition. It will be lifted only after the Fire and Rescue Services department gives the all-clear sign. (Photo: PRD, Govt of Kerala)
People gathered in the vicinity of the complexes to witness the demolition. (Express Photo)
Just before the demolition drive started the crowd took a final glimpse at the towers. The Jain Coral Cove complex, the biggest of the four, will be demolished on Sunday, January 12 at 11 am, followed by Golden Kayaloram, the smallest, at 2 pm. (Express Photo)
Aerial view of the area where the viewers had flocked to see the demolition drive. (Photo: PRD, Govt of Kerala)
Fire tenders spray water to wash away dust on the bridge connecting Kundanoor with Thevara. H2O Holy Faith building was very near the Kundanoor side of the bridge. (Photo: PRD, Govt of Kerala)
