KOCHI: Even after ten days since the fire broke out at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant, the toxic fumes and flames have not subsided entirely. Health Minister Veena George has urged the public in Kochi must wear masks. A high level committee appointed by the High Court visited Brahmapuram. A high-level committee appointed by the government directed the Pollution Control Board to carry out a risk analysis.

Yesterday evening, the rising smoke from the more than 6 feet deep pit taken on the right side of the plant was extinguished by continuous spraying of water. The situation is similar in acres of land. District Collector NSK Umesh said that only two of the seven sectors of the plant are on fire and smoke is the real problem.

Meanwhile, the locals stopped around 50 lorries carrying garbage from Kochi city that reached Brahmapuram on Saturday morning. Police had to intervene to remove them from here.

• Health survey from March 14

Minister Veena George said in a meeting of the health department at the Ernakulam guest house that a health survey will be conducted in Kochi from Tuesday. Health workers will visit homes and expert treatment will be ensured for those who need it. Medical camps and services of mobile units will be provided. The services of the specialist doctors of the medical college will be made available at the Kakkanad Health Centre. SWAS clinics will be started in all urban health centers.

The Kochi unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has warned that the toxic smoke can lead to health problems. Masks such as N95 are not resistant to gases.

• Thermal cameras to be purchased

An expert committee meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilak decided to purchase infrared thermal cameras and HH gas monitors to detect fire prone areas in Brahmapuram in advance.

• High Court Committee at Brahmapuram

A high-level committee appointed by the High Court visited Brahmapuram on Saturday evening. A meeting was held at the plant under the chairmanship of the collector. The report will be submitted to the High Court immediately.

The members of the committee are Chief Engineer of Local Self-Government Department, Director of Suchitwa Mission, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer of State Pollution Control Board, Secretary of Kochi Corporation and Secretary of District Legal Services Authority.