Kochi: The Kerala government on Wednesday issued orders to transfer the District Collector of Ernakulam, Renu Raj.
The move comes amid growing criticism of her handling of the fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant.
Renu Raj has been directed to take charge in Wayanad and she will be replaced by N.S.K. Umesh, who is currently staff officer to the chief secretary.
The government also issued transfer orders to other IAS officers in the state.
Meanwhile, work to completely extinguish the fire and smoke at the Brahmapuram waste plant is progressing well.
Excavators are being used to pick the waste and pump water underneath.
A total of 31 excavators are being used to douse the fire. Navy helicopters have also been deployed to spray water from above.
On Tuesday, Renu Raj said that the fire that began on March 2 will be resolved in the next two days.
“Firefighting operations are continuing in full swing. Measures are being taken to extinguish the ongoing smoke,” Raj said.
Raj said that the Navy and Air Force helicopters have been deployed to pour water down to extinguish the fire completely at Brahmapuram waste plant which occurred on Thursday.
“Staff from nearby districts are also participating in these activities. The smoke issue can be resolved within the next two days.”
Officials said a medical camp was also organised at Brahmapuram to check up on the health of fire and rescue officials and other persons who are at the spot.
“Experts from the health sector are checking whether this smoke can cause health problems. But diseases caused by smoke have not been detected much. Similarly, no irregular increase in the number of patients arriving at the hospital was found. However, the elderly, children below 12 years of age and those with asthma should be cautious,” Renu Raj advised.
