New Violence Erupts in Pithampur Factory Amid Toxic Waste Incineration Rumors
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Pithampur, Jan 4 (NationPress) - Violence reignited on Saturday following rumors about the incineration of toxic waste from Union Carbide at the Ramky Enviro plant located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
The police reported that the unrest was sparked by allegations that containers filled with hazardous waste were being opened for incineration at the facility. Additionally, there were claims that a few laborers had fainted while handling the hazardous materials, moving them from the containers to the machinery for incineration.
In response to these allegations, local residents, including women and elderly individuals, attempted to breach the factory's premises, which were heavily guarded by police.
Angry locals retaliated by throwing stones at the police and damaging several vehicles parked on the factory grounds.
“The violence was triggered by rumors of containers being opened for the incineration of toxic chemical waste. However, law enforcement was able to disperse the crowd and restore order,” stated SDM Pramod Gurjar.
It is important to note that all 12 containers, containing over 337 metric tons of hazardous chemical waste from the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy, are currently situated on the premises of the Ramky factory. These containers arrived in Pithampur on the morning of January 2.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the government would provide a comprehensive report regarding the Pithampur incident to the Madhya Pradesh High Court and determine the subsequent actions concerning the chemical waste stored in the containers.
“The waste was transported following the High Court's directives. Our administration acknowledges public concerns, and we will present an accurate account of the situation to the court,” remarked the Chief Minister.
In a previous ruling on December 3, the MP HC had allotted three weeks for the state government to relocate the toxic waste and requested a report on the matter.
“The government is set to submit its findings to the court on January 6, and until then, no incineration of chemical waste will take place,” stated CM Yadav.
On the preceding Friday, significant protests erupted in various areas of the Pithampur industrial zone in Dhar district, approximately 40 km from Indore.
Protesters engaged in clashes with police, resulting in the enforcement of prohibitory orders in the area. Two individuals who attempted self-immolation during the protests suffered burns and were taken to a hospital in Indore.
