In a huge relief to the Kochi Corporation, the Regional Monitoring Committee (South) of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant.
The committee, led by P. Jyothimani, which visited the plant site on Thursday, suggested that the civic body take steps to stop the stench emanating from waste and measures to clear the “legacy waste” piled up on the campus.
The panel members, who went around the facility, also looked into the question whether the operation of the plant would affect the nearby waterbody.
On the stench emanating from waste, Mr. Jyothimani said the situation in Kochi was relatively better than that in similar sites in other States. The approval from the committee came as a breather for the civic administrators who were apprehensive that negative observations by the panel could lead to the closure of the plant. The hefty fine of ₹1 crore slapped by the Principal Bench of the NGT earlier had also been worrying the authorities.
The panel chairman noted that the Brahmapuram plant was not located close to any residential area, and that it was in a secluded place. “There is a waterbody near the site. Nearly 60% of Kerala is dominated by waterbodies, and they have to be protected,” he pointed out.
The Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 mandate that the civic body should implement door-to-door collection of waste and its segregated processing. And focus should be on waste reduction at source, he said.
On waste accumulated on the campus, Mr. Jyothimani suggested that the corporation try the pyrolysis method. Corporation officials handling waste management programmes should be made to visit successful units in other States to study the good practices followed there, he said, adding that the civic body should look into the grievances of the local population.
Incidentally, a few civic representatives from Vadavukode-Puthencruz panchayath, where the plant is located, had raised a banner of protest against the denial of entry to the plant site during the visit of the committee. Later, the panel gave them an opportunity to present their views.
Contingents of media were barred from entering the premises while the NGT team was touring the site. Media was called in only for a briefing.
Mayor Soumini Jain said the civic body would streamline the functioning of the plant considering the suggestions of the panel.
Additional Chief Secretary T.K. Jose and officials of the State Pollution Control Board and the corporation were present.
