“You can even play cricket at Brahmapuram now,” Kerala Local Self-government Minister MB Rajesh declared in a social media post, highlighting the dramatic transformation of the once waste-ridden site in Kochi. The Brahmapuram solid waste plant, previously home to a towering trash mountain, had long been a major environmental concern and was the site of a devastating fire in 2023 that burned for 12 consecutive days.Rajesh stated that the government was determined to turn the Brahmapuram disaster into an opportunity to make Kerala a clean, waste-free state. According to the state government, 75 per cent of bio-mining in the waste-filled areas has been completed, and approximately 18 acres of land have been reclaimed. Authorities aim to complete the process within the coming months. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, sharing before-and-after images of the site, stated, “A comprehensive master plan worth Rs 706.55 crore is under consideration by the government for the complete development of this area. With the implementation of this plan, the government's promise to transform Brahmapuram into a beautiful and vibrant place is being fulfilled. Brahmapuram will become a centre of attraction for the entire country.”In 2023, Kerala’s commercial capital, Kochi, faced an air emergency as toxic fumes from the Brahmapuram fire engulfed the city for over 10 days. Residents suffered severe health problems, many were forced to leave their homes, and others remained indoors to escape the hazardous air. The crisis mirrored the isolation of the pandemic, with deserted streets and disrupted public life. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with celebrities and prominent figures expressing their concerns on social media. The Kerala legislative assembly also witnessed dramatic scenes, with the opposition staging a parallel session inside the House in protest. “We said that we would turn this crisis into an opportunity. We were trolled for saying that we would convert Brahmapuram into a garden. We have crossed the first stage in making that vision a reality. Both the government and Cochin Corporation directly monitored the bio-mining process, and the results are evident,” Rajesh said.The state government plans to inaugurate Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s compressed biogas plant, which will have the capacity to treat 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste daily, by April. “The construction of the plant is in its final stage. We are also planning to approve similar plants in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode,” MB Rajesh told India Today. The Minister further stated that 20 dumpsites across Kerala have already been cleared, with work underway at 25 more locations. Expressing confidence in the progress, he added, “By next year, Kerala will become a state with no dumpsites.” The government’s next priority, he said, would be liquid waste management.Published By: Afreen Published On: Mar 16, 2025Must Watch