Study socio-economic impact of Brahmapuram dumping site: Kerala HC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala: The Government of Kerala has been directed by the state High Court to conduct a socio-economic impact study to ascertain the level of mismanagement of municipal solid waste at the Brahmapuram dumping site’s five-kilometre radius.

High Court asked Additional Chief Secretary to direct the Ernakulam District Collector to carry out the survey exercise and place the report before it. The report should include the negative impact of waste mismanagement on the health of the people within 500 metres, 2km and 5km radius.

Order of the court came with regard to complaints of the local citizens asking the court to issue directive to the local bodies to take necessary measures to prevent waste from flowing into the local water bodies, especially during monsoons. The court has said that whichever agency is transporting the waste to the duping sites should take appropriate temporary measures to store the waste till the problem of segregation is taken care of.

The Kerala High Court order of June 8 reads, “Within 15 days, the temporary sheds are to be put in place to prevent the percolation of pollution from municipal solid waste during the rainy season into soil and water bodies.”

Apart from that, the court has also asked if there are any other steps taken by local bodies in Brahmapuram that are worsening the living conditions in the area so that it can pass necessary orders after looking into the issues.