Kochi: Kochi corporation has informed high court that the implementation of the compressed biogas (CBG) plant has been completed, and around 150 tons of waste have already been processed during daily trial runs.
The corporation's counsel further submitted that the construction of internal roads at the Brahmapuram facility is also complete and that the black soldier fly project is functioning effectively. Taking note of the submissions, the bench of Justices Bechu Kurian Thomas and P Gopinath warned that the corporation can no longer rely on the excuse that waste continues to pile up in the city due to a lack of disposal infrastructure. HC is hearing a suo motu petition initiated following the fire at the Brahmapuram waste management plant in Kochi.
During the hearing, it was also submitted that the plant is facing severe financial constraints. HC, however, reminded that the govt had earlier assured that financial hurdles would not delay the project. "We don't want financial constraints to stand in the way of the completion of the project. If the govt didn't pay the money, they wouldn't do the work — that's what led to the accumulation of waste," the court observed.
The bench also pointed out that waste continues to accumulate across the city, with water bodies choked with plastic. Specific reference was made to the current condition of Karshaka Road, the Cochin Port Trust area near Wellington Island Road, and others.
The court further remarked that the Panampilly Nagar walkway, which had been allotted as an advertisement space to a company, is poorly maintained. "They have a duty to ensure that it is kept clean, but the advertisement remains while maintenance is neglected," HC said orally.
