KOCHI: In a big relief for the Kochi corporation, the 25-member regional monitoring committee (south) of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant. After inspecting the plant in detail, the team led by Dr. P. Jyothimani, NGT regional monitoring committee chairman, instructed the civic body to take immediate measures to control the stench emanating from the heaps of garbage. The team also asked the corporation to clear the plastic waste piled up in the yard over the years.
While making a detailed assessment of the waste processing facilities including the recently set up temporary leachet treatment system, the delegation specifically probed the chances for the treatment plant polluting the nearby river Kadambrayar. According to the delegation, the situation in Brahmapuram is better than those in other states.
Mr Jyothimani said the corporation can try pyrolysis method for processing plastic and asked the corporation authorities to send officials to waste processing units successfully running in other states to get an idea of the method.
The NGT team later met representatives of Vadavukode-Puthencruz panchayath who protested against the denial of entry to the plant site during the visit. The team asked the corporation to look into their grievances.
Mayor Soumini Jain said the functioning of the plant will be streamlined based on the suggestions.
Additional chief secretary T.K. Jose, standing committee chairpersons V. K. Minimol, Gracy Joseph, M. Harris and K.V.P. Krishnakumar, opposition leader K. J. Antony and State PCB chairman K. Sajeevan, were present.
