Recent audits have raised alarm over the use of heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, in the landfill at Brahmapuram on the banks of the Kadambrayar River in Kochi. The investigation reveals that the contractor employed by the Kochi Corporation has allowed harmful substances to leach into the soil and water, heightening environmental risks. Medical experts have voiced concerns over the grave health implications, including kidney damage, nerve disorders, and respiratory issues. With these metals potentially contaminating groundwater and affecting local ecosystems, the long-term risks for public health cannot be overstated.
According to Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, a spokesperson for the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Kochi, exposure to heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury is a pressing concern. These metals can seep into the environment, entering drinking water sources and agricultural irrigation systems. This threatens not only those who rely on well water but also poses a risk to plants and animals through the food chain. “These toxic elements may not just damage human health directly but can have far-reaching consequences on the local ecosystem,” Dr Jayadevan warned. Additionally, materials such as aluminium and cobalt may generate dangerous gases or dust during decomposition, exacerbating air pollution.
Despite mounting evidence of contamination, Kochi’s Mayor, M Anilkumar, has defended the corporation’s actions, insisting that the landfill operations were conducted in line with a report from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). However, political opposition, led by Antony Kureethara, has raised serious doubts about the integrity of the process. Kureethara highlighted the inefficiency of the waste management practices, pointing out that a significant portion of the biomined waste was returned to Brahmapuram, instead of being transported for proper disposal outside Kerala. The failure to address these irregularities has sparked criticism regarding the city’s environmental governance.
The ongoing issue underscores a critical gap in the city’s waste management and environmental oversight. The improper handling of waste not only jeopardises public health but also hampers efforts towards sustainability. Effective waste management requires stringent measures to prevent harmful materials from contaminating air, water, and soil. The unsustainable practices of re-dumping waste pose a risk not only to the local population but also to the larger ecological system, which may take decades to recover.
From a sustainability perspective, this crisis calls for urgent reforms in waste disposal practices across the region. The current practices not only endanger the community’s health but also hinder the city’s transition towards more eco-friendly waste management solutions. Sustainable practices like proper leachate management, the use of non-toxic materials, and the establishment of effective waste segregation and recycling systems are imperative for long-term environmental stability.
