Madhya Pradesh High Court Clears Path for Safe Disposal of Toxic Waste

The Madhya Pradesh High Court allows state action on the disposal of toxic waste from Bhopal's Union Carbide Factory site to Pithampur, urging media restraint and granting six weeks for compliance. The next hearing is set for February 18.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted the state government autonomy to proceed with the safe disposal of toxic waste from Bhopal's Union Carbide Factory, directing that it be moved to Pithampur for incineration. The decision, reached on Monday, comes in adherence to a previous order dated December 3, an advocate confirmed.

During the court proceedings, the state government presented an affidavit acknowledging the spread of false information about the waste, which has caused public agitation. Consequently, incineration had yet to commence. The court emphasized that the state government could address any public misunderstandings independently and instructed the media to avoid disseminating fake news.

The court granted the state an additional six weeks to execute its December 3 directive. As per the order, the government does not require further court permission to take necessary measures, including unloading the waste in Pithampur. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for February 18, where compliance updates will be assessed.

(With inputs from agencies.)