Kochi: Private firm to handle leachet

KOCHI: The Kochi Corporation will temporarily entrust leachet treatment at Brahmapuram plant, which has been stipulated by the National Green Tribunal, to a private agency proposed by State Suchitwa Mission. As the NGT team's three-day visit to the plant is scheduled from January 23, the Corporation has to take immediate measures for leachet treatment. The NGT earlier slapped heavy fine on the civic body for not setting up leachet treatment plant.

While replying to the debate on issues in waste management in Brahmapuram plant during a Corporation council session on Thursday, Mayor Soumini Jain said that immediate steps will be taken to improve waste management at the plant. 

"Since experts have proposed elctro-coagulation method for treating the leachet, a private firm which is equipped with the technology will be entrusted with it. The clean treated water will be discharged to river Kadambrayar, adjacent to the yard. Steps will also be taken to expedite processing of huge piles of plastic garbage. Measures will also be taken to strictly enforce ban on plastic carry bags," said Ms. Jain.

In the wake of recurring fire incidents at the plant, members from ruling and Opposition benches raised serious concerns over the safety and sustainability of the plant. 

"If the Brahmapuram facility is shut, it will seriously upset the waste management system in most parts of the district. Five municipalities, three panchayats and City Corporation are fully dependent on it. Though the average daily capacity of the plant is 250 tonnes, nearly 383 tonnes of garbage reach there every day. Of this 64 per cent is organic while the remaining is non-biodegradable. Considering the importance of the facility, civic body should take immediate measures to streamline the garbage dumping and processing," said V. P Chandran, CPM councillor.

Opposition leader K.J Antony, UDF councillor K.R Prem Kumar and several other members echoed similar remarks. 

Deputy mayor T.J Vinod, standing committee chairpersons V.K Minimol, A.B Sabu and Poornima Narayan also spoke.