Residents of Kochi continue to suffer from health issues and schools remain closed a week after a massive fire broke out at the Brahamapuram dump site. Toxic fumes have once again hit parts of the city, causing air quality to plummet due to the toxic fumes.
Despite efforts from the Indian Navy and Air Force, the fire had only been partially put out, leaving garbage to continue smoldering. Residents are reporting breathing difficulties and dry eyes, prompting local authorities to advise the use of N-95 masks and remain indoors.
The government has stated that the situation is under control but has urged people with respiratory issues, the elderly, and children to remain cautious.
Ernakulam District Collector Renu Raj received her transfer order on Wednesday, following alleged lapses by the district administration in handling the fire.
The Left government has said that the fire appeared to have been caused due to high temperatures, but an investigation is ongoing to find out the actual trigger. Opposition party Congress has alleged massive corruption and claimed the fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant was set deliberately to avoid inspection of the site.
Kochi Mayor Anil Kumar has stated that efforts are underway to control the problems due to the toxic smoke, but he cannot provide a deadline for the issue to be resolved. The government has decided not to dump any more plastic waste at the Brahmapuram plant and an empowered committee consisting of district collector and corporation officials will be formed to supervise the activities.
In May 2018 similar massive fire broke out at the Okhla landfill site in south Delhi , twelve fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the fire was doused. Similarly in March, 2022 masive fire broke out at a landfill site in east Delhi’s Ghazipur leading to a huge cloud of smoke enveloping the region and neighbouring areas. It took almost a week time to complete douse the fire.
The landfill poses multiple hazards beyond methane emissions, with toxic substances having infiltrated the ground and contaminated the water supply for thousands of nearby residents over several decades. Bhalswa, another significant landfill in Delhi, has caused residents to experience painful skin wounds and respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure to the hazardous site.
In 2019, the Indian government provided recommendations to enhance solid waste management, including the formalization of the recycling sector and the establishment of additional compost plants across the country. While some progress has been made, such as the improvement of door-to-door garbage collection and waste processing, India’s landfill sites are continuously expanding. Climate experts are apprehensive that time is running out for India to act on this issue, particularly as the country is set to surpass China as the world’s most populous nation.