New Delhi: Amid rising opposition to the incineration of toxic waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Pithampur, chief minister Mohan Yadav has assured that no further action will be taken without court orders. The 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal have escalated fears in Pithampur. Protests have intensified in the industrial township near Indore, over environmental and health hazards fear.
Violent clashes broke out on Saturday between police and the protesters with two agitators trying self-immolation. They have been admitted to hospital with burn injuries. According to a Times of India report, at least 80 industries in the area were forced to halt operations on Saturday as workers refrained from reporting to duty amid safety concerns. Protests have disrupted daily life in Pithampur, a hub of 1,250 factories and Madhya Pradesh’s largest industrial zone.
‘Govt committed to addressing public concern’
CM Yadav assured people that the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to addressing their concerns and will take them to court. “The state government will present an affidavit to the high court, seeking more time to take the public into confidence,” he said. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain added that waste disposal would only proceed when the situation is completely under control.
Jain also clarified that while the waste has been transported to Pithampur, no immediate incineration plans have been finalised. “The government is following the courts guidelines, and any further decisions will be made transparently,” he said.
Heavy police deployed in the area
Prohibitory orders are in place within a 100-metre radius of the waste disposal unit and heavy police have been deployed in the area to maintain order. District Collector Priyank Mishra has assured that further steps would only be taken after consultations with locals. Emergency meetings with public representatives and local residents have been held to address concerns.
The toxic waste disposal stems from the December 3, 1984, methyl isocyanate gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal, which killed over 5,400 people. On December 3, 2024, the Madhya Pradesh high court set a four-week deadline for transferring the waste to Pithampur, warning of contempt action if the directive was not followed.
