Union Carbide Toxic Waste Set To Travel 250 Km For Disposal
After nearly 40 years since the Bhopal gas tragedy, the removal and disposal of 377 metric tonnes of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal has begun. This follows the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s criticism of authorities for their failure to act despite multiple directives. The waste, including remnants of methyl isocyanate (MIC) that leaked in 1984 and caused widespread death and injury, is being transported to an incineration site in Pithampur, near Indore, located about 250 km from Bhopal.
The toxic waste will be transported using specially equipped GPS-enabled trucks, accompanied by workers in protective gear and police for security. The transportation is part of a court-mandated process aimed at ensuring safe disposal, with the toxic material being destroyed at Pithampur’s industrial waste disposal unit. The waste will first be burned, and the residue will be carefully analyzed to ensure that no harmful elements remain before further disposal.
Authorities have said the incineration process will be carefully monitored, with emissions passed through multiple filters to prevent environmental contamination. Once incinerated, the remaining ash will be buried in a landfill to prevent exposure to soil and water.
However, concerns have been raised by locals and activists. A protest in Pithampur, led by the ‘Pithampur Kshetra Raksha Manch’, expressed fears about air pollution and potential contamination of water sources, citing a 2015 trial burn that allegedly led to pollution in surrounding areas. Local officials have defended the safety measures in place, with industrial leaders stating they are satisfied with the arrangements but warning of potential protests if an accident occurs during the process.
The waste removal and disposal project, which is expected to take months, represents the latest effort to address the long-standing environmental and health consequences of the Union Carbide disaster.
