Brahmapuram: The impact of dumpsite fire still looms

The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) southern zonal bench has expressed displeasure over the delay in removal of burnt waste, plastic, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from the Brahmapuram dumpsite in Kochi.

Meanwhile, the fiasco at Kochi Corporation’s solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram is likely to cost the State exchequer ₹1.14 crore, reports The Hindu. The district disaster management department has revealed that the Corporation incurred around ₹90 lakh towards handling the crisis. This expenditure included various expenses related to the deployment of excavators, floating machines, pumps, and motors, transportation charges, wages of the operators of the excavators, soil testing, setting up temporary resting facilities and bio-toilets, and providing light and food.

The crisis had other costs as well. The District Health and Family Welfare Society’s program manager stated that they incurred ₹11 lakh in expenses for organizing a medical camp for firefighters in Kakkanad, purchasing medical equipment, and other related costs. In addition, medical expenses from the District Medical Officer’s office cost Rs 13 lakh.