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Bhopal, India – January 2, 2025: In a significant development, the toxic waste that had been lying at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) premises in Bhopal for the past 40 years was finally shifted to a secure dumping site in Pithampur, Dhar district, late Wednesday evening. A convoy of 12 specialized container trucks transported approximately 337 metric tonnes of chemical waste, traveling 250 kilometers under stringent security arrangements via a designated green corridor.
This move comes four decades after the catastrophic Bhopal gas tragedy on December 2-3, 1984, when highly toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the UCIL pesticide factory, claiming the lives of at least 5,479 people and leaving thousands more with debilitating health conditions. The disaster remains one of the world’s worst industrial tragedies.
High Court Deadline Spurs Action
The operation was initiated after the Madhya Pradesh High Court, on December 3, 2024, set a four-week deadline for the toxic waste to be removed. The court criticized the prolonged delay, citing “state of inertia” among authorities, and threatened contempt proceedings if the directive was not executed.
Coordinated Effort and Safety Measures
The waste-shifting operation involved over 100 workers, who were rotated in 30-minute shifts to minimize exposure risks. Workers underwent regular health check-ups and were provided with adequate rest.
The 12 container trucks used for the operation adhered to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. The containers were leak-proof, fire-resistant, and equipped with GPS tracking systems to ensure real-time monitoring of their journey to Pithampur.
The destination, Pithampur’s state-of-the-art Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF), has been operational since 2006 and is equipped to safely incinerate hazardous industrial waste.
Ensuring Environmental Safety
Swatantra Kumar Singh, Director of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, stated that Pithampur’s plant had conducted a successful trial run in 2015, incinerating 10 metric tonnes of UCIL waste under CPCB supervision. The trial confirmed that emissions complied with national safety standards, with no harmful effects on the air, water, or soil in surrounding areas.
Singh added that over the past decade, agricultural activity in the Pithampur circle had actually increased, with no adverse environmental impact observed. Residues from the incineration process are securely managed using a double composite liner system to prevent contamination.
A Milestone for Bhopal
The removal of the toxic waste marks a critical milestone in addressing the legacy of the Bhopal disaster. While the incineration process at Pithampur provides a scientifically sound solution, survivors and activists continue to demand accountability and justice for the ongoing health and environmental challenges stemming from the tragedy.
This long-awaited step signals progress, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring aftermath of one of history’s most devastating industrial disasters.
