High Court Greenlights Safe Disposal of Bhopal's Toxic Legacy

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has approved the state government's proposal to dispose of chemical waste from the former Union Carbide factory in Bhopal at a Pithampur plant. Following successful trial incinerations, the disposal will be completed within 72 days, with assurances of safety provided to the court.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has given the green light for the disposal of hazardous chemical waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. The disposal will occur at a designated facility in Pithampur, following successful trial incinerations that posed no adverse effects, according to the state government.

This decision follows a long-standing petition concerning the hazardous remnants from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, which claimed thousands of lives. The court mandated that disposal be completed safely within 72 days while insisting on comprehensive safety measures.

Despite opposition from local groups worried about environmental impacts, state assurances of thorough safety protocols have been presented. A report on the entire process is expected by June 30. A phased trial run earlier this year successfully transported and incinerated 337 tonnes of waste.

(With inputs from agencies.)