HC toughens stand, plastic waste will no longer be transported to Brahmapuram; Collector transferred

KOCHI: The government has banned plastic waste at the Brahmapuram waste plant after the High Court issued a strict directive on Wednesday to put out the fire at the plant and find a permanent solution. The government decided to make the bio-waste treatment plant fully functional and to construct roads.

Meanwhile, Ernakulam District Collector Renu Raj, who was summoned and criticized by the High Court on Wednesday, has been transferred to Wayanad. The High Court directed the government and the municipal corporation to take action by fixing a schedule to put out the fire in the plant.

The division bench comprising Justice SV Bhatti and Justice Basant Balaji said that clean air, water and atmosphere are basic human rights. The division bench also pointed out that these rights of Kochi residents are at risk.

The court pointed out that although Collector Renu Raj took several steps, there were lapses on her part in bringing these steps to the attention of the public. The Collector explained that although a letter was given to the municipal corporation three days before the fire pointing out the lack of security systems, no action was taken. The division bench asked whether the Collector performed her duties as the chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority.

The High Court, which said that the Collector should not stay away from the issue, criticized that the situation would not have worsened if the Collector's team had functioned actively. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup informed the High Court that the Collector has been transferred.

The court directed that the new Collector and municipal secretary A Babu Abdul Khader should appear in person when the petition will be considered again on March 10. The Additional Chief Secretary and Pollution Control Board Chairman should appear online.

Government's decision
1. Waste management at source will be strengthened. Windrow composting system for organic waste treatment will be urgently repaired. Road facility will be ensured to Brahmapuram.
2. An empowered committee consisting of the District Collector, Corporation officials, etc. will be formed and the activities will be supervised. Awareness will be created among people in the area. Meetings attended by ministers and people's representatives, including the mayor, will be held for this purpose.