Hazardous Waste Unloading Sparks Protests in Pithampur

Hazardous waste from Bhopal's Union Carbide factory is being unloaded in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, for incineration. This action has sparked protests, as locals fear health and environmental risks. Authorities assure safety norms are being followed, denying any incineration activity. Protests continue with public awareness campaigns to address concerns.

The process of unloading 337 tonnes of hazardous waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal commenced at an incineration site in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, this Thursday. The complex operation is being conducted amidst tight safety protocols, with local officials and representatives overseeing it.

This action comes over 40 years after the tragic industrial disaster caused by a toxic gas leak at the same factory. However, the incineration of the waste has not yet begun. Local protests erupted earlier in January, as residents voiced concerns about potential health and environmental hazards.

In response, Pithampur's SDM, Pramod Singh Gujar, clarified that the process involves only the unloading of waste, dismissing rumors about ongoing incineration. Despite assurances, protests led by local committees and yoga exponent Pradeep Dubey persist, prompting the administration to launch public awareness initiatives to address the community's fears.