India, Dec. 11 -- Spread across 30 acres, construction of the new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra East is yet to begin, even as the demolition of 370 old, dilapidated buildings on the plot is nearly complete. On November 5, former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai laid the foundation stone for the Rs.3,700-crore high court complex, which has a proposed built-up area of over 6 million sqft. Demolition work has been underway since 2024. When HT visited the site on Tuesday, demolition debris was scattered across the plot, with several trees crushed in the process. Multiple violations of pollution control norms were observed, including torn green mesh nets meant to contain demolition dust, uncleared debris, and the absence of water sprinklers typically required during demolition. The rules require that demolition sites be enclosed with tall tin or metal wind-breaking sheets covered with green cloth or tarpaulin. Water fogging should be carried out regularly, on-site crushing of waste must be avoided, and construction and demolition debris should be transported only to designated dumping sites. Instead, debris was piled across the stretch, while a cleared patch was used as a parking space during the bhoomi pujan. The site is situated adjacent to residential buildings and commercial establishments, and residents said the dust has severely affected them. A shopkeeper next to the site said, "Last month, we had to shut shop for the entire day because of excessive demolition dust. There was no scaffolding. They water the road once a day and continue work. Even the trucks carrying debris do not have covers. We were unable to breathe through most of the demolition period." HT did not spot AQI monitors at the site, even as dust and silt were visibly blowing across the road. A worker at the site said, "We only raise scaffolding when officials come for inspection. We water only when concrete is being set, otherwise we do not." Officials from the state public works department (PWD), overseeing the project, said, "Demolition work is complete, and debris has been cleared. Since we have now been informed that debris remains, we will send a team for inspection."...