Indore Residents Protest Carbide Waste Disposal in Dhar
Residents of Indore have expressed strong opposition to the planned disposal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in neighboring Dhar district. The waste, associated with the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, is slated for incineration in Pithampur, approximately 30 kilometers from Indore.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Protesters, including members of various organizations, gathered outside the Revenue Divisional Commissioner’s office in Indore to voice their concerns. They argue that incinerating the hazardous waste in Pithampur poses significant health risks to local residents and could lead to environmental contamination affecting Indore and surrounding areas.
Call for Alternative Disposal Methods
Leaders of the protest have urged authorities to consider alternative disposal methods. Some suggest relocating the waste to remote, uninhabited areas to mitigate potential health hazards.
Background
The toxic waste originates from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, the site of a catastrophic industrial disaster in 1984. Efforts to dispose of the remaining waste have been ongoing, with the current plan involving transportation to Pithampur for incineration.
Government Response
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted the state government six weeks to ensure the safe disposal of the waste, adhering to all necessary safety guidelines. Despite assurances from officials regarding the safety of the incineration process, public apprehension remains high.
Ongoing Protests
The situation has led to a series of protests in both Indore and Pithampur, with residents demanding a reconsideration of the disposal plan to prevent potential health and environmental repercussions.
