Today, two judges from the Kerala High Court are scheduled to visit the Brahmapuram site to assess the advancement of bio-mining efforts and other prevailing conditions. The site gained recent attention following a significant fire incident.

The Special Bench, led by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice Gopinath P, has announced its intention to visit the Brahmapuram site today, March 7, 2024, at 3:30 PM. Their purpose is to assess the ongoing progress of activities at the location.

''We feel it appropriate to visit the Brahmapuram site to have first-hand knowledge of the progress of bio-mining and the general condition of the site and also to evaluate other issues mentioned in the report of the learned amici curiae. ''

Following the fire incident at the Brahmapuram dumping yard in Cochin city, the Kerala High Court initiated suo moto proceedings and established a special bench to address issues pertaining to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (MSW Rules).

Furthermore, the Court emphasized that the Black Soldier Fly Project could commence its operations promptly, as a power connection is expected to be available within two weeks. This step aims to address the problem of wet waste accumulation at the Brahmapuram site, which has led to intolerable odors and infestations of rodents.

The Court also observed a decrease in the volume of legacy waste present at Brahmapuram due to the implementation of bio-mining. This process was initiated for the purpose of land reclamation at the site. The Court stated, "Regarding the bio-mining conducted by M/S.Bhumi Green Energy, we have been informed that approximately 68,000 metric tons of legacy waste have been processed, with 7,000 metric tons being converted into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)."

Additionally, the Court issued a directive for the expedited completion of road works leading to the Brahmapuram site. Furthermore, it noted that the State Police Chief had circulated a directive to all District Police Chiefs concerning the enforcement of provisions introduced by the 2023 amendments in the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994, and the Kerala Panchayath Raj Act, 1994.

The Secretary of Kochi Municipal Corporation informed the Court that a water tank with a capacity of approximately 50,000 liters was already installed at the Brahmapuram site, and an additional tank with a capacity of 30,000 liters had been positioned to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks. Furthermore, the Court was assured that fire hydrants were being installed and that the water tanks would be linked to these hydrants to maintain a continuous water supply, thereby preventing any potential fire incidents.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 18, 2024.

Case title: Suo moto v. State of Kerala

Case number: WP(C) NO. 7844 OF 2023