Aafrin Kidwai 
Waste collected in Kochi has been temporarily suspended as city authorities focus on containing the impact of the fire at the Brahmapuram waste management plant late last week. Waste collection was suspended since under the prevailing circumstances lorries cannot approach the plant to unload the waste.
Waste collection will resume once the fire is completely doused and the situation is brought under control, city Mayor Mr M. Anilkumar informed The Hindu.
For nearly 3 days after the fire breakout in Brahmapuram, many parts of Kochi remained under blankets of thick fumes coupled with the odor of burnt plastic.
Twenty tenders and more than 120 firefighters from the districts of Thrissur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam had been sent by fire and rescue services. Many firemen reported experiencing nausea and dizziness, given the toxic fumes at the dump site. The Indian Navy deployed multiple helicopters for aerial spraying of water and conducted multiple sorties.
