NGT Petition Calls for Madhya Pradesh Government Assurance on Safe Disposal of Union Carbide Waste

A plea has been submitted to the National Green Tribunal's Bhopal bench, seeking assurance from the Madhya Pradesh government regarding the safe disposal of Union Carbide waste. The petition demands that the state’s chief secretary confirm, under oath, the safety of residents in Pithampur, Dhar district, where the waste is being disposed of.

The petition was filed by a social organisation based in Jabalpur. It also requests that authorities in Dhar assure, under oath, that local residents will not be harmed by the waste disposal process. On Thursday, 337 tonnes of Union Carbide waste were transported from Bhopal to Pithampur for disposal, following an order from the MP High Court.

Public Concerns and Government Transparency

Additionally, the petition calls for the Madhya Pradesh government to publish a specific report in both Hindi and English newspapers. This report should address public concerns about the waste disposal process. PG Najpandey of Nagrik Upbhokta Margdarshak Manch and activist Sunil Bhargav highlighted this demand.

The social organisation officially filed this petition with the NGT on Friday, as confirmed by Najpandey. There is widespread concern due to the tragic incident on December 2-4, 1984. During that time, a leak of toxic methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide Factory resulted in thousands of deaths.

"Therefore, we have moved the NGT to take cognizance of their concerns," Najpandey stated. The petition aims to ensure that past tragedies do not repeat and that public safety remains a priority during the disposal process.