Date:08/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/08/stories/2007100857430100.htm

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Brahmapuram plant likely by February

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The proposed solid waste treatment plant of the Kochi Corporation at Brahmapuram may become operational in February if the work progresses at the current pace.

Efforts were on to compensate the loss of a few working days due to heavy rain, said Mercy Williams, Mayor.

The Corporation had set up a countdown board at its main office to indicate the time left for the completion of the project.

The work of the project was being carried out in three shifts. The district administration would soon take steps for acquiring 15 acres adjoining the plant.

The Corporation council had recently approved the proposal for acquiring additional land at the site.

Nearly 60 per cent of the piling work of the plant had been completed and the tress work was under way, said E.M. Sunilkumar, chairman, Town Planning Standing Committee of the Corporation.

The civic authorities plan to seek the cooperation of various agencies in creating a green belt around the project site.

Agencies such as the Horticulture Department, Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department, Botany Departments of various city colleges and the Agricultural Department would be involved in the procurement and planting of saplings for the green belt, Mr. Sunilkumar said. The planting of saplings would be completed in October, he said.

Meanwhile, the Corporation authorities reviewed the list of accessories and vehicles to be bought for solid waste collection and transport in the city.

The equipment and vehicles would be bought with the aid of the Asian Development Bank, Ms. Williams said.