Aafrin Kidwai 
Dilapidated windrow composting sheds, overflowing leachate, blocked drains, fresh waste dumped over legacy waste. These are some of the scenes at the Brahmapuram dumpsite, as reported by a State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The SLMC on solid waste management (SWM) has reported that the Kochi Corporation’s Brahmapuram yard is yet to conform to the standards prescribed under the SWM Rules, 2016.
The committee reported that the condition of the yard has worsened due to monsoon. As per an inspection report conducted by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) on July 23, heavy flow of leachate was seen due to rains from the plastic dumping area. Plastic dumping had also been extended to the area where the waste-to-energy plant was proposed.
The committee pointed out that mixed waste continued to be dumped in the yard and rainwater has been falling over the legacy waste deposited in the damaged facility. Several hundred tonnes of legacy waste were seen accumulated inside and outside the windrow composting sheds, the report said. Leachate was found flowing out from the windrow composting sheds.
“During inspection no progress were seen in the management of solid waste at the plant where the same situation is existing as illustrated in the earlier report submitted on 17.05.2021. The commencement of south – west monsoon also made the management of solid waste impracticable. Dilapidated windrow sheds and unscientifically constructed drains causing unmanageable leachate flow.”
UPDATED STATUS REPORT FILED BY THE CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER, REGIONAL OFFICE, ERNAKULAM FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE KERALA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
