Union Carbide Toxic Waste Removal Begins After 40 Years in Bhopal for Indore Disposal

The removal of 377 metric tonnes of hazardous waste from the former Union Carbide factory in Bhopal began on Sunday. This action follows the Madhya Pradesh High Court's criticism of authorities for inaction despite repeated directives, including from the Supreme Court, to clear the site. The court warned that this "state of inertia" could lead to "another tragedy."

On December 2-3, 1984, a toxic gas leak from the Union Carbide pesticides factory resulted in 5,479 deaths and left over five lakh people with health issues and disabilities. On Sunday morning, several GPS-enabled trucks with reinforced containers arrived at the factory site. Workers in special PPE kits, along with officials from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation and environmental agencies, were present. Policemen secured the area.

Waste Disposal Plan

The plan involves transporting the toxic waste to an incineration site in Pithampur near Indore, approximately 250 km from Bhopal. The MP High Court had set a four-week deadline on December 3 to move the waste, criticising authorities for their "state of inertia" even 40 years after the disaster. The court warned of contempt proceedings if its directive was not followed.

Swatantra Kumar Singh, director of the state's Gas Relief and Rehabilitation Department, stated, "The waste of Bhopal gas tragedy is a stigma which is going to disappear after 40 years. We will dispose of it by sending it safely to Pithampur." A "green corridor" will be created to transport the waste efficiently.

Incineration Process

Singh did not specify a date for transporting and disposing of the waste at Pithampur. However, sources indicated that this process might start soon, with the waste reaching its destination by January 3. Initially, some waste will be incinerated at Pithampur's disposal unit. The residue ash will be examined for harmful elements.

If deemed safe, the waste will be incinerated within three months; otherwise, it may take up to nine months. Emitted smoke will pass through four-layer filters to prevent air pollution. A record of this process will be maintained continuously.

Environmental Concerns

Once incinerated and free from harmful elements, the ash will be covered with a two-layer membrane and buried at a landfill to prevent soil and water contamination. Experts supervised by Central and State Pollution Control Board officials will oversee this process and submit a detailed report to the High Court.

Some locals and activists claim that after a trial destruction of 10 tonnes of Union Carbide waste in Pithampur in 2015, surrounding soil and water sources became polluted. Singh dismissed these claims, stating that destroying 337 metric tonnes of waste at Pithampur's unit was decided only after reviewing the 2015 test report and objections.

Local Protests

Despite assurances, reports of waste reaching Pithampur prompted protests on Sunday. Residents wore black bands during a rally led by 'Pithampur Kshetra Raksha Manch', holding placards with slogans like "We will not let Pithampur become Bhopal" and "Save Pithampur, remove toxic waste." Protester Rajesh Chaudhary demanded air quality re-examination before waste destruction.

Pithampur is an industrial town about 30 km from Indore with around 1,250 units. Goutam Kothari, president of Pithampur Industrial Organisation, expressed satisfaction with arrangements for burning Union Carbide waste but warned that his organisation would protest if any accidents occur during disposal.

The High Court is set to hear the matter on January 6. The ongoing efforts aim to address environmental concerns while ensuring public safety during this critical cleanup operation.