Kochi city in the south Indian state of Kerala is facing a huge challenge as they are forced to live in an atmosphere laden with toxic fumes due to a big fire that broke out at the city corporation solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram, on Thursday 2^nd March 2023, and is still raging strong after 3 days. Besides local firefighting services, other government agencies and the Indian Navy have extended support, to bring the situation under control.

A blanket of smoke from the fire has engulfed Kochi and surrounding suburbs, causing alarming deterioration of air quality that is making people sick. Local authorities have advised Kochi residents especially in the most affected areas to stay indoors to minimize inhaling toxic smoke and fumes. Those with respiratory diseases or other chronic conditions, as well as pregnant Women, children and old people have been particularly advised not to step outdoors. People in affected areas have also been advised to wear N-95 masks to protect themselves from the smoke. Authorities are also gearing up medical attention resources and hospitals have been prepared to treat anyone who becomes ill from the smoke.

Local firefighters had been trying unsuccessfully to put out the fire with a helicopter. However, the fire caused by smoldering plastic waste in the mountain of city waste, baffled the firefighters who were not able to get it under control. Smoke, acrid fumes, deteriorating air quality, stench of burning waste and poor visibility, are some of the problems being faced by the residents. It is unfortunate that many people are forced to breath such air unless they have any option to move out of the affected areas.

On Friday after the local municipal Corporation became worried about the air quality and their inability to extinguish the massive fire, the Indian Navy fire fighters were called to reinforce the firefighting efforts. With their skilled personnel and specialized equipment, the naval forces are committed to extending all possible assistance to bring the situation under control. They flew a reconnaissance mission to evaluate the extent and severity of the fire, and then activated additional firefighting teams and equipment to help the district administration. An Indian Air Force helicopter with large water buckets called a "large area aerial liquid dispersion equipment" (LAALDE) has also been deployed to spray large volume of water in the active fire zones to try to stop the fire from spreading. Two high-power dewatering pump sets are being used to pump water from a nearby river.

Though, no major health issues have been reported so far, it is very likely that the harmful effects of this fire and the resulting fumes, will surface in the days to come. Furthermore, toxic fumes have been making it hard for the fire fighters to do their job. Additionally, the changing wind direction, also makes things more difficult. Some fire and rescue department officials have been facing breathing issues. Two oxygen parlours have been set up near the waste plant so that fire and rescue staff can breathe easier. An air quality monitoring system will also be set up at the plant.

While I hope and pray that the fire is controlled soon and there are no long-term health issues for the local residents, I cannot help but feel that there are many lessons to be learned here. Current, measures after the fire breaking out can only help in minimizing the damage to some extent. But the problem has to be curtailed before it starts. As I hear, for almost a decade Kerala has been promoting a zero-waste approach. Cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha are working progressively towards a decentralized system of waste management and proposing zero waste principles. NGOs, local population and aware citizens are all playing their part in this transition. Today, Kochi is unfortunately faced with a situation that may leave many with chronic and permanent health damage. It is time to wake up and act to ensure that this is the last of such disasters.

References and sources

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/parts-of-kochi-engulfed-in-smoke-after-waste-plant-fire-people-urged-to-stay-indoors/articleshow/98415754.cms

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/toxic-fumes-engulf-kochi-3-days-fire-brahmapuram-waste-plant-8480517/

Image source

https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/03/03/fire-brahmapuram-waste-plant-smoke-kochi.html