MP News:
The opposition against the disposal of Union Carbide waste transported from Bhopal to the industrial area of Pithampur in Dhar district is escalating. Today's announced closure has garnered widespread support. Police had to use mild force on the agitating protesters. Meanwhile, two young men doused with gasoline set themselves on fire in protest. They are currently admitted to a hospital in Indore.
Since early Friday morning, Pithampur's markets are closed. Residents show their support by keeping tea and water shops shut. Even small businesses remain closed.
Elsewhere, some supporters attempted to block roads at Dhangad Bus Stand and Azad Chowk. A clash with the police ensued. The police dispersed some supporters with batons and mild force, advising them to leave.
Source: aajtak
The local factories in the industrial area remain operational. There is no hindrance to the movement of workers and employees. Bus services continue to run. Adequate police force has been deployed in the area.
Congress Criticizes BJP Government
Following the baton charges in Dhar, Congress has criticized the BJP government. The MP Congress questioned, "Is there any democracy left in Madhya Pradesh? Lathis for opposing the incineration of toxic Union Carbide waste in Pithampur and imprisoning youths for the MPPSC movement. This government only knows suppression! In Mohan government’s chaotic rule, raising voice for rights has become tough."
Deputy CM Accuses Congress of Playing Politics
Responding to the baton charge over Union Carbide waste in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh's Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla stated that the government had already clarified the waste is no longer harmful and, even 25 years post-incident, its effects have dissipated. He reassured that there is no danger in burning the waste in Pithampur, and residents need not fear. Congress is politicizing the Union Carbide issue.
337 Tons of Toxic Waste Shifted 250 km from Bhopal
Forty years after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, 337 tons of toxic waste from the Union Carbide plant reached an industrial waste disposal unit near Indore in Pithampur early Thursday. The hazardous waste was sent in 12 sealed container trucks from Bhopal over 250 kilometers to Pithampur's industrial area, under robust security in a green corridor. A large police force surrounds this privately run unit.
Pithampur Shutters Amid 1.75 Lakh Population's Protest
Local citizens' groups have vowed to continue protests in the industrial town of Pithampur, demanding not to incinerate the toxic waste from the Union Carbide plant. A shutdown call was made on Friday in the town housing a population of around 1.75 lakh.
Citizens fear adverse impacts on human populace and environment if the toxic waste is destroyed in Pithampur. The state government, assuring firm arrangements for safe disposal, has dismissed these apprehensions.
Central Minister's Statement
Pithampur falls under the Dhar Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Savitri Thakur, the Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development. Thakur noted that representatives will convey Pithampur residents' viewpoints to the state's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and request appropriate action.
Located about 30 kilometers from Indore, one of the state's major cities, the citizens of Indore also oppose burning the Union Carbide's toxic waste in Pithampur.
Indore Mayor's Objection
Indore's Mayor, Pushyamitra Bhargav, has called for the reconsideration of the plan to destroy this waste in Pithampur and urged the state government to file a revision petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Understanding the Bhopal Gas Tragedy
On the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, a highly toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal. At least 5,479 people were killed, and thousands others were disabled. It's considered one of the biggest industrial disasters worldwide.
High Court Order on Waste Disposal
The Madhya Pradesh High Court set a four-week deadline on December 3 to relocate the toxic waste from the plant, warning the government of contempt proceedings if the directive isn't followed.
Waste Ash to Be Buried in 'Landfill Site'
Director of the state's Gas Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Swatantra Kumar Singh, stated that initially, portions of the waste will be incinerated at Pithampur's waste disposal unit and its solid residues (ash) will undergo scientific tests to ensure no harmful elements remain.
He explained that smoke released from the incinerator combustion will pass through a four-tier special filter to prevent air pollution and each moment of the process will be documented. Once the waste is found free from harmful elements, its solid residues (ash) will be covered with a strong membrane and buried in a 'landfill site' to prevent the waste from contacting soil and water.
The Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Board officials will monitor a team of experts executing this process.
Some local activists claimed that during a 2015 trial, 10 tons of Union Carbide waste were destroyed in Pithampur, subsequently polluting the soil, groundwater, and water sources of surrounding villages.
Rebutting this claim, Singh, the Director of Gas Relief and Rehabilitation Department, mentioned that the decision to dispose of the waste in Pithampur was made post-examination of the 2015 trial report and all objections, assuring there's no cause for concern.
