Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding management of legacy waste in Bharampuram, Kochi, Kerala, 20/11/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of State Level Monitoring Committee, Kerala Vs State of Kerala dated 20/11/2019 regarding legacy waste dumped at and around Bharampuram in the outskirts of Kochi City.
Report filed by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board mentions among other things the fact that there was no provision for scientific facilities for windrow composting and dumping of waste was still going on, with no proper segregation being practiced. This has led to more plastic wastes in the dumping area.
The report also pointed out that the manure produced called City Compost, when analysed for its fertiliser value did not meet the standards stipulated in Solid waste management rules 2016. Apart from this there is presence of heavy metals in the manure.
The NGT expressed its displeasure at the "sorry state of affairs" and said that not only there was violation of environmental norms but posing a health hazard to the people. In view of the above, the Tribunal directed the Secretary, Local Bodies (Urban Development) to ensure that remedial action was taken in accordance with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and related directions of the court and report filed within one month.