Quixplained: why is Kochi's Brahmapuram waste plant fire choking the city

These visuals are from the week-long fire at Kochi's Brahmapuram waste plant which broke out on March 2, 2023.

Though the massive blaze was brought under control on March 5 by joint efforts of Kerala Fire Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force-- the town remained engulfed in toxic smoke leading to a poor air quality index, which remained over 300, eventually causing an increase in the incidents of breathlessness and discomfort among the citizens.

But how did the situation reach a point where it posed serious health hazards for the people of Kochi?

Around 15 years ago--in 2008, a waste management plant was inaugurated on a 15-acre area in Brahmapuram with a capacity of 250 tonnes per day.

Eventually, the Kochi corporation went on to acquire more land over the years for the Brahmapuram plant which now stands at a mammoth 110 acres of land near the city's major IT parks.

On average, 390 tonnes of waste is dumped every day out of which 64 percent is biodegradable while 36 per cent is plastic and other non-biodegradable waste, as per a report by India Today.

The main source of toxic air emanating from the Brahmapuram plant is said to be the plastic waste dumped at the site.

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As per the town's mayor, the plant has been witnessing periodic fires since 2012 but the latest blaze forced the Kerala govt to prohibit the dumping of plastic at the site.

The Pollution Control Board also imposed a fine of ₹14.92 crore on the Kochi Corporation for non-compliance with waste disposal regulations.

(with PTI inputs)