Decades-Old Bhopal Union Carbide Toxic Waste to Finally Be Disposed

After nearly four decades, the toxic waste at Bhopal's Union Carbide factory will be disposed of following a court order. Officials are overseeing the safe transfer of 337 metric tons of waste to Pithampur for incineration. Activists, however, express concerns about remaining underground pollution.

In a long-awaited operation after nearly four decades, the toxic waste at the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is set for disposal following a directive from the MP High Court. Authorities began packing the waste for safe transfer under strict supervision on Tuesday, marking a significant step in addressing the aftermath of the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy.

The tragic incident, known as the Bhopal gas tragedy, claimed thousands of lives in December 1984 due to a gas leak from the Union Carbide pesticide plant. Now, 337 metric tons of waste will be moved to Pithampur, Dhar district, for disposal. Director of Bhopal Gas Relief and Rehabilitation, Swatantra Pratap Singh, told ANI the process adheres to a court order to clear the remaining waste within four weeks. Ten metric tons have been disposed of previously on a trial basis.

With teams meticulously packing the waste under the oversight of state and central pollution control boards, transportation to Pithampur is expected within days. The subsequent incineration process, ensuring minimal environmental impact, transforms waste into both gaseous and solid forms. Despite this scheduled cleanup, activists like Rachna Dhingra argue that the visible waste represents just a fraction of the toxic material still polluting the environment.

(With inputs from agencies.)