Kochi: Due to the fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant, there is heavy smoke everywhere in Kochi city. Many reported experiencing difficulties in breathing. The smoke from the plant has spread for kilometers.

Efforts are on to fully extinguish the fire. Though 14 fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately to contain the blaze, the fire has not been completely extinguished.

The fire broke out in a swampy area behind the Kinfra Industrial Park. Last night ten units of the fire brigade arrived and tried to put out the fire.

The lack of functional fire and safety equipment at the solid waste plant is also acting as a hassle for the firemen.

Rescue personnel said the reason behind the fire had not been ascertained. It may require further probing to ascertain the exact cause. The dumping yard witnessed two major fire incidents in January and March last year.

Despite repeated episodes, the authorities have not been able to take concrete action to check such mishaps, according to a report filed by the State-Level Monitoring Committee on Solid Waste Management following fire incidents in 2022.