Kochi Municipal Corporation Fined Rs. 100 Crore by NGT for Disregarding Obligations Leading to Fire at Waste Disposal Site

“The Kochi Municipal Corporation has been fined Rs. 100 crores by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for allegedly disregarding its obligations, which resulted in a fire at a waste disposal site in Kochi. The NGT stated that the city was choked on account of a fire at the refuse dump site on March 2, 2023, which led to a crisis, causing severe air pollution and worrisome effects on public health. To deal with the situation, a warning was issued to locals to remain inside, and hospitals were asked to prepare emergency admission for patients in respiratory distress.

The incident took place on March 2, 2023, at 5:30 pm, and the fire and rescue department took action to put out the flames. Naval helicopters were used to airdrop water over the fire piles. By March 5, 2023, the fire had been put out, but the damage had already been done. A health advisory was issued to the public on March 4, 2023, urging them to use masks and stay indoors. More vulnerable citizens, such as the elderly, children under 12, sick people, and pregnant women, were advised to take extra precautions, and camps for medical care were set up.

The NGT’s decision to fine the Kochi Municipal Corporation Rs. 100 crores sends a strong message about the importance of following environmental obligations and taking responsibility for actions that lead to such a crisis. The incident has highlighted the need for more stringent measures to be taken to prevent such situations from arising in the future. The NGT’s decision will hopefully serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders to take necessary measures to safeguard the environment and public health.”

(Read Also: Kochi After 12 days of relentless attempts, Brahmapuram waste plant fire doused completely)

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