Bhopal: Protests Erupt in Pithampur Over Toxic Waste Disposal

Bhopal- Protests erupted in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, after toxic waste from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant in Bhopal was transported to the town for disposal. The waste, a legacy of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, has sparked fears among residents about potential health and environmental risks.

The containers, carrying hazardous chemical waste, have been stationed at the Ramki factory in Pithampur's Ashapura area for over 24 hours. The Madhya Pradesh government maintains that the Pithampur plant, operational since 2006, is the only facility in the state equipped for the safe incineration of the waste.

However, residents and political leaders remain unconvinced. Thousands took part in silent marches on Thursday, expressing their opposition to the waste disposal plan. A complete shutdown of the industrial town is planned for Friday.

State Congress chief Jitu Patwari expressed concerns about the potential health risks, stating that the disposal could increase cancer rates among Pithampur residents. He called for a halt to the process until experts provide clear evidence of its safety.

BJP veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, also from Indore, echoed these concerns, calling for a thorough scientific evaluation before proceeding.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav defended the government's decision, stating that the waste was transported based on reports submitted to the Supreme Court. He also cited a state-sponsored study that indicated minimal health impact on nearby villages. He assured the public that the disposal would be conducted under the strict supervision of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB).

To address the growing concerns, the Chief Minister has appointed senior cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, also from Indore, to mediate with stakeholders and assure them of the safety measures in place.

As tensions escalate, the fate of the hazardous waste remains uncertain, with the containers awaiting incineration in Pithampur.