The long-awaited removal of 377 metric tonnes of hazardous waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal began on Sunday, marking a significant step toward resolving a decades-old environmental and health crisis. The waste is set to be transported to Pithampur, near Indore, for safe incineration, nearly 250 kilometers away. The move follows stringent directives from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which criticized authorities for their inaction despite repeated warnings from both the Supreme Court and the High Court.
The Union Carbide disaster, one of the world’s worst industrial tragedies, occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, when a toxic gas leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) killed 5,479 people and left over 500,000 others with severe health conditions and long-term disabilities. The toxic waste at the factory site has remained a grim reminder of the disaster, with fears of further contamination looming for decades.
On Sunday, specially reinforced, GPS-enabled trucks arrived at the factory to begin transporting the waste. Workers in protective gear supervised the operation alongside officials from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, environmental agencies, and incineration experts. The waste will be moved under a meticulously planned green corridor to minimize risks, and the operation is being monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
Swatantra Kumar Singh, Director of the Gas Relief and Rehabilitation Department, emphasized that the waste would be incinerated using advanced methods to ensure no harmful emissions. Smoke from the incinerator will pass through four-layer special filters to prevent air pollution, and the ash will be safely sealed and buried at a designated landfill. Experts estimate the process could take three to nine months, depending on safety reviews.
However, the disposal plan has faced resistance. Local residents and activists in Pithampur, where the waste will be incinerated, organized a protest rally on Sunday, expressing concerns about air and water contamination. Protesters, led by the Pithampur Kshetra Raksha Manch, demanded re-evaluation of the area’s air quality and greater transparency in the disposal process.
Goutam Kothari, President of the Pithampur Industrial Organisation, expressed confidence in the safety measures but warned of protests if any accidents occur during the incineration. The High Court is closely monitoring the situation, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for January 6, 2025, to assess compliance and progress.
This operation signifies a major milestone in addressing the legacy of the Bhopal disaster, though challenges remain in balancing environmental safety, public trust, and operational efficiency.
