Kochi: After the fire incident at the Brahmapuram waste plant in Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, there has been a heavy smog for the last eight days. The fire that broke out at the Brahmapuram garbage dump and waste plant location on March 2 was brought under control by Sunday (March 5), but the Kochi Corporation has been unable to do anything to control the toxic smog and haze. The Kerala High Court has given an ultimatum to the authorities and asked the government to submit an action plan on Friday.
Here are ten points on the Brahmapuram fire:
1. The air quality in the state’s commercial capital deteriorated last week following a fire at a waste plant in Brahmapuram.
2. Due to heavy smog cover in many areas, data on the website of Kerala Pollution Control Board shows the level of PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the air in Kochi which is above the prescribed standards.
3. Distressed residents have been asked to wear N-95 masks when stepping out, and schools have asked children in lower classes to stay home.
4. The Ernakulam district administration has declared holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, for the next two days as a health precaution.
5. Holidays (from March 9 to March 10) will be applicable for Kochi Municipal Corporation, three municipalities and three panchayats.
6. Apart from Kochi Corporation, holiday has been declared in Vadavucode-Puthencruz Gram Panchayat, Kizhakkambalam Gram Panchayat, Kunnathunad Gram Panchayat, Thrikkakkara Municipality, Thrippunithura Municipality and Maradu Municipality.
7. Holiday will be applicable in Anganwadi, Kindergarten and Day Care Centre, Government, aided and unaided, CBSE and ICSE schools. Public examinations including SSLC and Higher Secondary Examination will remain unchanged.
8. Earlier today, the Kerala High Court directed the District Collector of Ernakulam to submit a comprehensive affidavit on Friday on the fire incident.
9. The court was informed that the pollution was intolerable for the students, and they were sent back. The fire started on March 2 and has not yet been completely extinguished.
10. Indian Navy helicopters along with fire and rescue officials are working in Brahmapuram to douse the fire.