Inspection Conducted Amid Rumors and Protests Over Bhopal Gas Tragedy Waste Disposal in Pithampur
Senior officials on Sunday inspected a facility in Pithampur, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, where 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy is slated for incineration. The visit followed rumors circulating on social media about a missing container carrying hazardous waste, sparking public concern.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pramod Singh Gurjar dismissed the rumors, which had spread through WhatsApp groups, claiming that one of the containers had disappeared. He clarified that all containers were accounted for after a site visit by residents and elected representatives. “People should not believe such baseless rumors,” Gurjar urged.
The inspection team, which included members of the Pithampur Bacaho Samiti, confirmed that all containers were sealed and intact. “We found every container in place and in the same unloaded condition as when they arrived,” said Hemant Hirole, the committee’s convener. Similarly, local lawyer Rajesh Chaudhary affirmed that all 12 containers transported from Bhopal were untouched.
The hazardous waste had been delivered on Thursday to the Ramky Enviro Company facility in Pithampur, where incineration is planned. However, the disposal process has sparked significant opposition from residents and activists concerned about potential environmental and health impacts.
Protests and Public Outcry
On Friday, Pithampur witnessed widespread protests, including a bandh (shutdown) called by a local group opposing the waste incineration. Protesters argued that the disposal could harm the environment, contaminate waterbodies, and jeopardize the health of residents.
Tensions escalated further on Saturday when a group of around 100-150 people threw stones at the facility’s gates. In response, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) around the premises, restricting gatherings. These orders will remain in effect until January 12 to ensure public safety and prevent further unrest.
Government Seeks Extension from High Court
Amid the protests, the Madhya Pradesh government announced its intention to request an extension from the High Court for completing the disposal of the toxic waste. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain stated that the government would approach the court to secure more time for scientifically disposing of the hazardous material while addressing public concerns. “We aim to carry out the process after taking residents into confidence,” Jain said on Saturday.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously criticized the state government for delaying waste disposal for nearly 40 years. On December 3, the court issued a four-week deadline to transport the waste to a designated disposal site. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on January 6.
The Legacy of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy
The toxic waste is a grim reminder of the Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. On the night of December 2-3, 1984, methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal. The incident caused the deaths of at least 5,479 people, while thousands more suffered severe and long-term health complications.
Decades later, the tragedy continues to haunt survivors and environmental activists. The disposal of the waste has been a contentious issue, with delays attributed to logistical, technical, and administrative challenges. Local opposition has further complicated efforts, as residents fear the long-term consequences of toxic material being incinerated near their communities.
Looking Ahead
Despite assurances from authorities that the waste will be disposed of safely, public mistrust remains high. Activists have demanded greater transparency and rigorous adherence to environmental safeguards during the disposal process.
The Madhya Pradesh government’s appeal for more time reflects the delicate balance it must strike between complying with judicial orders and addressing the concerns of the people. As the January 6 hearing approaches, the state’s ability to navigate these challenges will be closely watched, with implications for both environmental justice and public trust.
For now, the containers remain secured at the Pithampur facility, but the road to resolving this decades-old issue remains fraught with challenges and community resistance.
