Hazardous Waste Containers from Bhopal Gas Tragedy Remain Stationary in Pithampur for Over a Day; Bandh Scheduled Today
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Bhopal, Jan 3 (NationPress) For more than 24 hours, container trucks laden with hazardous chemical waste from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant in Bhopal have remained parked at the premises of the Ramki factory located in the Ashapura area of Pithampur, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
This toxic waste serves as a stark reminder of the world’s largest industrial disaster that occurred in 1984 and was transported to Pithampur for disposal at the advanced Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF). However, the decision to relocate this waste has ignited protests due to the potential hazards it poses to public health and the environment.
The state government has asserted that the Pithampur plant is the only facility within the state capable of safely incinerating hazardous waste. This facility has been operational since 2006, dealing with industrial waste from all over Madhya Pradesh. Despite these reassurances, local residents and political figures have voiced significant concerns regarding the transfer.
On Thursday, thousands of residents in Pithampur took part in silent marches, expressing their dissent against the waste disposal plan. Protesters have called for a complete shutdown of the industrial town today, Friday.
Notable politicians from both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have expressed their views on this matter. BJP stalwart and former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who is from Indore, has urged for a comprehensive scientific assessment before moving forward with the disposal. State Congress leader Jitu Patwari has also raised alarms, suggesting that the disposal could elevate the risk of cancer among the residents of Pithampur.
“We are not politicizing this issue, but until experts provide clear evidence regarding the safety and environmental implications of the disposal process, it should be paused,” Patwari stated.
In response to these apprehensions, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted that the transfer of waste to Pithampur was conducted in accordance with reports submitted to the Supreme Court. He also referenced a state-sponsored study that indicated the health impact on nearby villages would be minimal. The disposal process, he assured, would be executed under the stringent supervision of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB).
The Chief Minister has instructed senior cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, also from Indore, to facilitate discussions on the matter and reassure stakeholders about the safety protocols in place.
As tensions escalate, uncertainty looms regarding when the waste will be incinerated. For the time being, the hazardous containers remain idle in Pithampur, pending resolution.
