It takes a lot of courage to step into the plant because of the excruciating stink and filth surrounding the plant.

To be precise, the treatment plant has turned into a stinking dump shed. The floor has already started developing cracks and there is no sign of any waste treatment.

Non-processing of waste materials at the plant leads to serious health issues as well. The plant was designed to segregate, treat and recycle waste. “But what happens at Brahmapuram is only the dumping of waste,” said Abdul Basheer, ward member, Vadavokode- Puthenkurissu.

Apart from cracked floors some of the machines have developed technical snags.

The expert committee which visited the plant had recommended complete dismantling and reconstruction of the structure. According to the report submitted by experts from the National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode, floors of almost all buildings of the plant, including vermi-culture section, product godown, compost processing shed, treatment platform, tipping platform and re-sorting area, have developed cracks.

“The plant is yet to be operated in its full capacity and a large quantity of waste remains piled up thereby creating serious health hazards to the people residing in the nearby area,” Basheer added.

It is literally a hell to live within its 5-km radius because of the foul smell.

Making things worse are the flies and mosquitoes thriving on the piled up waste. “The residents of Irumbanam and Rajagiri Engineering College areas have to bear the brunt of the Corporation’s callousness,” he added.

Basheer who is also the chairman of the Brahmapauram Action Council alleged that even though they had alerted the Corporation authorities about the pathetic condition of the plant so far no action has been taken. With the State Government giving its nod for fund allotment for the expansion of the plant, Basheer said that the Action Council would soon launch protest measures if the civic body fails to act.