Bhopal's Chemical Legacy: Court Approves Waste Disposal Plan

The Madhya Pradesh High Court authorized the state to dispose of hazardous waste from the former Union Carbide factory in Pithampur, citing safe trial runs. Despite local resistance, the disposal will proceed under stringent safety measures, ending a decades-long issue rooted in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has given the green light for the state government to dispose of toxic chemical waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal at a Pithampur facility.

This decision follows successful trial incinerations, confirming no adverse environmental impact, according to the state's affidavit.

The plant, located in Dhar district, aims to process the four-decade-old waste within 72 days, a move opposed by some local groups fearful of health and environmental risks.

Chief Justice S K Kait and Justice Vivek Jain have directed the state to ensure rigorous safety measures during the operation, requiring a comprehensive report on outcomes by June 30.

This action relates to an ongoing legal battle beginning in 2004, spearheaded by petitioner late Alok Pratap Singh, concerning waste removal post the catastrophic 1984 gas leak.

On February 18, the court previously approved trial disposal phases. Subsequently, 337 tons of waste were transported to Pithampur, an effort met with protests from concerned residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)