Mohanlal, Mammootty react on Brahmapuram issue, call for solution to the ‘suffocating’, ‘painful’ ordeal

Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal are the latest to react to the toxic haze from Brahmapuram waste plant fire in Kochi that has made the life of its residents a living hell for the past week. The fumes, from the fires, have led to numerous people, complaining of respiratory illnesses with the air quality index and pollution reflecting unhealthy levels.

Mammootty, who had returned to Kochi after his shoot of Kannur Squad in Mumbai and Pune, told Manorama that he has been experiencing breathing problems ever since he came back. “It started with a cough and eventually became wheezing,” said the actor, adding that is currently in Wayanad but still has difficulty breathing.

Mammootty said that he was advised by many to leave Kochi. The actor also stressed that the problem is not just restricted to Kochi and nearby areas as the fumes are spreading to other districts too.

The Christopher actor called for the authorities as well as people to take action and find ways of proper waste management that doesn’t “suffocate” its people. “Just like roads and water, waste management is also part of the basic amenities. Don’t suffocate Kochi in this gas chamber,” said the actor.

Meanwhile, Mohanlal told the vernacular daily that the government is not finding a permanent solution. “We just realised how carelessly we are handling this issue… these fumes will reach all over the world,” he said, adding that five years ago, he had written a letter to the Chief Minister pointing out that Kochi’s waste has reached uncontrollable levels.

“There are so many mothers just like mine in every house in Kochi and that thought has been causing me pain,” said the actor. “It’s scary that thousands of elders and children are suffocating.”

Earlier this week, actors such as Prithviraj Sukumaran, Unni Mukundan and Tovino Thomas too took to their social media pages to share instructions for Kochi residents, in light of the deteriorating air quality.