₹310-crore Brahmapuram bio-park to revolutionise Corpn.’s waste disposal and treatment capacities

A comprehensive development plan for the proposed ₹310-crore bio-park at Brahmapuram complete with a slew of facilities has been drawn up jointly by the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) and Suchitwa Mission.

The plan was presented before the Kochi Corporation Council on Saturday (February 1). The proposal, once executed, is expected to revolutionise the Corporation’s waste disposal and treatment capacities. The project will be funded by the World Bank along with State government assistance.

Among the state-of-the-art new waste treatment facilities in the proposed bio-park are a windrow plant, leachate treatment plant, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant, transportation facilities, waste-to-energy facility, construction of debris recycle plant, faecal sludge treatment plant, and a solar plant. At present, two black soldier fly plants and a faecal sludge treatment plant are functioning at Brahmapuram, while the construction of the BPCL-KRL’s Compressed biogas plant is in progress. Projects meant to beautify Brahmapuram, a knowledge centre, cycle track, and walkway have also been proposed.

Weighbridge, security cabins, comprehensive vehicle maintenance garage, roads, greenbelt, restrooms, protection wall, street lights, and water distribution facilities have also been proposed. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste reaching Brahmapuram will be weighed using the weighbridge and diverted to the respective plants concerned for treatment.

Mayor M. Anilkumar dubbed the Brahmapuram master plan as the city’s long-cherished dream with which the Corporation would chart a new course in waste treatment. This will be an influential model for the entire State. Though the project is worth ₹310 crore, in the initial phase, the RDF plant, windrow composite plant, weighbridge, roads, park, garage, restrooms, and LED lights will be set up. The estimate for the first phase will be prepared.

Facilities like the waste-to-energy plant will be set up in the second phase. A government policy for the proposed waste-to-energy plant is likely. The proposed RDF plant will receive government assistance. Cleaning of Kadamprayar and wellness centre will also be included in the project. Mr. Anilkumar said the suggestions of the Opposition would be taken into account.