Final reports from Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board

India Transports 337 Tonnes of Union Carbide's Toxic Waste to Pithampur for Incineration 40 Years After Bhopal Gas Tragedy

Jan 2, 2025, 06:15 AM

Forty years after the catastrophic Bhopal gas tragedy, Indian authorities have completed the removal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. The waste, comprising 60% mud and 40% naphthol used in the production of pesticide methyl isocyanate, was transported in 12 sealed container trucks to Pithampur, located 250 km away, for incineration. The operation, which began on Wednesday night, involved a green corridor and heavy security measures. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured that the disposal process will not harm the environment, citing scientific studies and the use of safe technology. The waste is expected to be incinerated over a period of three to nine months, with the smoke passing through special four-layer filters to prevent air pollution. Once confirmed safe, the ash will be covered by a two-layer membrane and buried to avoid contact with soil and water. The process will be closely monitored by experts from the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board. Despite these assurances, there have been protests in Pithampur against the disposal plan, with concerns raised about potential contamination of soil and water. The highly toxic methyl isocyanate gas leak from the Union Carbide factory in 1984 resulted in 5,479 immediate deaths and long-term health issues for thousands. The disposal follows directions from the Supreme Court.