Brahmapuram Waste Plant Fire: Residents Complain of Toxic Smoke, Breathlessness

Air quality in several parts of Kochi continues to be below the unhealthy mark, as toxic fumes continue to be emitted after a massive fire broke at the waste dump yard.

As per a local media report, fire department officials said they had managed to control the smoke in up to 70 percent of the affected area. However, 30 percent continues to come from smoldering plastic waste, and containing this smoke is now the main challenge.

The air quality index (AQI) in many areas reported more than 300 PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter in the air) during the past five days, while figures between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. The AQI in the very poor and beyond category will likely cause respiratory issues upon prolonged exposure.

Meanwhile, local citizens complain of difficulty breathing and burning sensation in the eyes and throat. The state government has urged people to wear N95 masks when going out and to avoid jogging until the smoke has been brought under control. The district administration has had all schools and colleges in Kochi and some in neighboring Ernakulam closed since 5 March.

Kochi's Brahmapuram waste plant is the biggest centralized solid waste management plant in Kerala.

Kerala High Court took suo-motu cognizance of the matter and slammed the Kochi municipal body, saying the city had become a gas chamber. The court on Friday appointed a committee to monitor the situation.

Politicians and netizens have taken to Twitter, accusing the state's Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government of mishandling the situation.