Kerala High Court Judges To Visit Brahmapuram Site Today To Evaluate Progress Of Bio Mining And Other General Conditions

The Special Bench comprising Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice Gopinath P said it will visit the site today (March 07, 2024) at 3.30 PM to evaluate the progress of works happening at the Brahmapuram site.

“We feel it appropriate to visit the Brahmapuram site to have first-hand knowledge of the progress of bio-mining and the general condition of the site and also to evaluate other issues mentioned in the report of the learned amici curiae. We, therefore, intend to inspect the site at 3.30 p.m., on 7.3.2024. The learned counsel appearing for various parties have agreed that the concerned officials of the Revenue Department, the Fire Force Department and the Kochi Municipal Corporation will be present at the site at 3.30 p.m. on 7.3.2024.”

After the fire at the Brahmapuram dumping yard at Cochin city, the Kerala High Court had instituted suo moto proceedings and constituted a special bench for considering matters relating to Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (MSW Rules).

The Court also stated that the Black Soldier Fly Project could start its operations without delay since a power connection would be available in less than two weeks for tackling the issue of wet waste accumulating at the Brahampuram site causing unbearable stench and rodent infestation.

It also noted that there was a reduction in the quantity of legacy waste lying at Brahmapuram through bio-mining. Bio-mining was initiated for the reclamation of land at Brahmapuram. It said, “Regarding the bio-mining carried out by M/S.Bhumi Green Energy, we are informed that nearly 68,000 MTs of legacy waste have been processed, out of which 7000 MTs are Refused Derived Fuel (RDF).”

It also directed that the works on roads leading to the Brahmpuram site have to be completed at the earliest.

Further, the Court observed that the State Police Chief had issued a circular to all District Police Chiefs regarding enforcing the provisions introduced by 2023 amendments in the Kerala Municipality Act,1994 and the Kerala Panchayath Raj Act,1994.

The Secretary of Kochi Municipal Corporation informed the Court that a water tank having a capacity of nearly 50,000 litres was already available at the site and another tank with 30,000 litres capacity had also been placed at the Brahmapuram site to prevent any fire breakouts. An assurance was also given to the Court that fire hydrants were being commissioned and that water tanks would be connected to the fire hydrants to ensure continuous water supply to prevent any fire breakouts.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 18, 2024.

Case title: Suo moto v. State of Kerala

Case number: WP(C) NO. 7844 OF 2023

Click Here To Read/Download The Order