"Toxic Waste from Bhopal's Union Carbide Plant Transported for Disposal After 40 Years"
Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, January 2 – In a long-overdue move, 377 tons of hazardous waste from the now-defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal were transported to an industrial unit in Pithampur, Dhar district, for safe disposal. This comes nearly 40 years after the tragic Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984.
Transport and Security Measures
The toxic waste was moved in 12 sealed container trucks through a 'green corridor' from Bhopal, 250 kilometers away, under stringent security measures. The convoy reached the Pithampur facility around 4:30 AM on Thursday, as confirmed by Dhar Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh.
“The vehicles are currently stationed within the Pithampur factory premises,” Singh added.
Preparations and Handling
Over 100 workers packed the hazardous material in 30-minute shifts starting Sunday, with health check-ups conducted regularly. “Each worker was given a break after every 30 minutes to ensure their well-being,” said Swatantra Kumar Singh, Director of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department.
Background of the Tragedy
On the night of December 2-3, 1984, the Union Carbide pesticide factory leaked methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas, claiming at least 5,479 lives and leaving thousands with chronic health issues. Despite decades passing, the toxic remnants of the plant remained untreated, causing significant concern.
Court Intervention
The disposal follows a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, issued on December 3, which criticized the authorities for their prolonged inaction. The court set a four-week deadline for the waste to be cleared, warning of contempt proceedings if the instructions were not followed.
Disposal Process
Swatantra Kumar Singh explained the disposal procedure, stating that the waste would initially be incinerated under the supervision of experts and pollution control authorities. Advanced four-layer filtration systems will ensure the emitted smoke does not pollute the surrounding air. Once verified that no harmful residues remain, the ash will be buried in a sealed pit to prevent contamination of soil or groundwater.
The process is expected to take three months if all goes as planned, though it may extend to nine months, Singh added.
The disposal marks a critical step in addressing the legacy of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, though it continues to evoke widespread environmental and public health concerns.
