Kochi: Waste removal from city areas, stalled for nearly a week, will resume on Saturday when functioning of the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant restarts at full scale.
This was decided in a meet presided over by district collector Muhammed Y. Safirulla and attended by mayor Soumini Jain and representatives of Vadavukode-Puthankurishu gramapanchayat where the solid waste treatment plant is located.
"Full scale waste collection from city areas will resume on Saturday. We'll clear the waste accumulated over the last week in two days," the collector said.
The residents had prevented waste-laden trucks from entering the plant on Thursday night, failing efforts of authorities to resume waste removal after the massive fire incident on February 23.
"The meet decided to strengthen security of the waste treatment plant amidst suspicion of a foul play behind the massive fire. The collector also addressed other concerns of local residents following which they agreed to his suggestion to resume the plant's functioning," said a district administration official.
Accordingly, nine more security personnel will be deployed at the plant. A total of 10 CCTVs, including two HD cameras, will be set up at all the sides of the plant before March 5. Three motors will also be set up for pumping water from the near-by river in emergency situations like fire.
"We've repaired the leachate treatment plant and resumed its operation to treat water seeping in from waste heaps, another demand of residents. Action will be taken to ensure easy accessibility of fire engines to all parts of the waste treatment plant. More lights will be set up on its premise. A weekly review will be held to monitor its implementation," the collector said, adding the waste to energy treatment plant project will be implemented in 15 months.
A strict direction has been given to police to seize and take action against vehicles carrying wastes without covering or leaking. Cameras will also be set up at toilet waste treatment plant, Mr Safirulla said.
Meanwhile, the mayor said the corporation has taken measures such as a ban on plastic kits to reduce plastic wastes.
