A Swiss rail operator recently demolished a historic bridge without obtaining the necessary permits, which sparked fury among the general population. Citizens have expressed major concerns about the environment as a result of the illicit usage of explosives.
(Photo : Pexels/Tyler Lastovich )
Blowing Up A Bridge Caused Outrage
At the beginning of this year, the Swiss rail operator Rhaetian Railway was confronted with a predicament when evaluations of an older bridge on its line revealed problems with the supports of the bridge. Even though Castieler Viaduct had been used to transport trains for more than a century, the deterioration that was discovered on the steel framework of the bridge proved to be irreparable.
Therefore, a demolition order was issued for the 110-year-old bridge in order to maintain the smooth operation of trains in the region, and a replacement span was designated for the area. On the other hand, MPs in the region and environmental experts in the region stated that the bridge could only be demolished if demolition personnel guaranteed that they would not blast it to smithereens with explosives.
However, the old railway Castieler Viaduct, which was constructed between 1913 and 1914 and transports trains on the Chur-Arosa line in the mountainous canton of Graubünden, was subjected to controlled explosives on its two stone pillars, which are 50 meters (160 feet) in height. As a result, many people are concerned about the destruction of a historic bridge. Environmentalists are also concerned about the impact that all of that rubble will have on the ecosystems that are located in the surrounding area. However, the train business just said that it had forgotten to consult with the authorities at the federal level.
Also Read: 5 Types of Steel Beams and Their Uses in Modern Construction Projects
Environmental Impact of Explosive Demolition
A number of factors, including transportation, explosives for demolition, and heavy machinery, cause environmental contamination. The industry is largely devoid of hybrid or electric heavy machinery, as the majority of heavy machinery and vehicles are powered by diesel or petrol.
The use of explosives and heavy machinery both contribute significantly to the polluting of the air with dust. This pollution can have immediate effects on populations in Pittsburgh by exacerbating respiratory ailments despite the fact that it does not cause climate change in the same way that the release of fuel does.
Moreover, aside from being an issue for the environment, noise pollution is considered to be a threat to human health since it interferes with sleep. The presence of constant noise can also restrict the activities of businesses and can have a particularly negative influence on children, animals, and pets.
As mentioned, within the building and demolition industry, demolition accounts for over 90% of the waste that is produced. There are 145 million tonnes of waste that are transferred to landfills, despite the fact that a sizable fraction of the 600 million tonnes of waste that are produced by the industry are recycled or reused. The potential for contamination of soil and water is increased as a result of this, and landfills can be quickly filled.
Related Article: Green Paradises: 6 Sustainable Cities Transforming the World
