Bhopal: After about 40 years of the Bhopal gas tragedy, twelve containers of hazardous waste—residue from the Union carbide disaster— 40 was sent to Pithampur from Bhopal in a major operation under heavy security. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav said there had been no environmental impact due to the disposal of this toxic waste. The whole process went peacefully, he added. The Chief Minister also urged not to politicize the issue and attempts were being made to ensure the same.
The toxic waste was transported through a 250-kilometer-long green corridor, accompanied by ambulances, police vehicles, and fire brigades.
#WATCH | On the removal of 40-year-old toxic waste from the Bhopal gas tragedy site, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav says, “…Around 358 metric tons of hazardous waste from Union Carbide has been removed from Bhopal. For the last 40 years, the people of Bhopal were living with… pic.twitter.com/0rErFXivfS
— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2025
At least 50 police personnel from Bhopal were escorting the containers, which were being moved keeping with the highest safety standards. According to reports, an officer of the Additional Superintendent of Police rank has been entrusted with the task of overseeing the transportation. The process of shifting of the 337 metric tonnes of toxic waste started late on Wednesday evening.
The waste was stored at the abandoned Union Carbide factory in Bhopal for years. The toxic waste includes five types of hazardous materials, including soil, pesticide residues, and chemicals left from manufacturing processes. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy had claimed over 5,000 lives due to the release of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide factory.
It took 40 years to remove the leftover toxic waste from Union Carbide in Bhopal, the site of one of the worst chemical gas tragedies in history.
This reflects the pace at which our system operates, even after court intervention.
Justice and action exist only on paper.
Vc:… pic.twitter.com/rTszNusRGE— Vije (@vijeshetty) January 2, 2025
Know how the waste was loaded
The waste was loaded in 12 specially-designed leak-proof and fire-resistant containers, reports stated. Each container has about 30 tonnes of waste, wrapped and sealed in huge HDPE bags to prevent any chemical reaction. Prior to the shifting, the factory’s 200-meter radius was sealed. Around 200 workers were involved in the process. They worked in 30-minute shifts. These workers adhered to strict safety protocols, including use of PPE kits.
Locals oppose disposal in Pithampur
Meanwhile, locals in Pithampur had opposed to the waste disposal there. More than 10 organisations have called for a shutdown, demanding the waste be sent abroad instead of Pithampur. Indore’s Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital Alumni Association doctors have moved a petition questioning the waste disposal process that was apparently being taken up without adequate trials.
Pithampur Plant: Here’s why it is chosen and what will happen there?
Pithampur has the only state-of-the-art incineration plant in Madhya Pradesh. It is operated by Ramky Enviro Engineers under Central Pollution Control Board guidelines. The waste will be burned maintaining scientific protocols on a wooden platform that is 25 feet above the ground.
At a speed of 90 kg/hour, it will take approximately 153 days to dispose of all 337 tonnes of waste, reported the NDTV. Air quality is monitored using equipment installed at three locations within the factory campus. Dust and soil from areas where the waste was stored are also being transported for testing, according to reports.
In 2015, part of the waste was incinerated at the Pithampur plant as part of a trial run. Based on this outcome, the HC ordered the disposal of the remaining waste by January 6, 2025.
