The Madhya Pradesh government has commenced preparations for the trial incineration of 10 tonnes of hazardous waste from the defunct Union Carbide plant following the Supreme Court’s decision not to interfere with a Madhya Pradesh High Court order.
The waste, part of the 337 tonnes transported to the Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district, is linked to the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world's worst industrial disasters.
On Thursday, officials confirmed that the trial incineration will proceed as planned after the Supreme Court declined to intervene, directing all aggrieved parties, including civil society organisations opposing the disposal, to approach the High Court. The High Court is currently hearing the matter regarding the waste disposal process.
Heightened Security in Pithampur
Following the Supreme Court’s directive, authorities have significantly heightened security measures in Pithampur, anticipating potential protests. Nearly 500 police personnel from 24 stations have been deployed in the region, with senior officers monitoring the situation closely.
Despite the Supreme Court's refusal to halt the incineration, activists opposing the disposal have reiterated their determination to continue their legal battle.
“Our legal team will present our case strongly in the High Court. The movement against hazardous waste incineration will continue, and we will engage with the people of Pithampur through legal channels to take the matter forward,” said Sandeep Raghuvanshi, one of the protest leaders.
Also Read: SC examines disposal of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy waste
State Government Initiates Disposal Plans
Following the legal developments, Indore Division Commissioner Deepak Singh announced that preparations have begun for the trial burning of the Union Carbide waste at the designated disposal unit in Pithampur. He confirmed that, as per the High Court’s directives, 10 tonnes of waste will be incinerated in the first phase under strict safety protocols.
The hazardous waste was originally transported from the abandoned Union Carbide facility in Bhopal to Pithampur, located approximately 250 km away, on January 2, 2024, as part of the government’s plan for its safe disposal.
On January 6, the High Court directed the state government to complete the disposal within six weeks while ensuring all necessary safety measures are followed.
Lingering fears and environmental concerns
Since the arrival of the waste in Pithampur, the region has witnessed multiple protests from local residents and environmental activists. Protesters argue that the incineration of the hazardous material could pose severe risks to human health and the environment.
In response to these concerns, the state government has conducted several public awareness initiatives, including ‘Jan Samvad’ programs, to educate residents on the safety measures being implemented.
Officials have assured that the waste disposal unit in Pithampur is fully equipped with modern technology to ensure safe incineration without harmful emissions.
Also Read: 40 yrs post-Bhopal gas tragedy, Union Carbide waste unloading starts
Composition and safety assessment of the waste
According to government records, the hazardous waste includes soil from the defunct Bhopal factory, reactor residue, Sevin (a pesticide) residue, naphthal residue, and “semi-processed” chemical residues.
The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) has stated that scientific studies indicate the toxicity levels of Sevin and naphthal in the waste have significantly diminished over time.
Furthermore, the pollution control board has clarified that the waste does not contain any traces of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas—the lethal chemical responsible for the 1984 Bhopal disaster—nor does it contain any radioactive elements.
Historical context: The Bhopal gas tragedy
On the night of December 2-3, 1984, the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal leaked highly toxic methyl isocyanate gas, resulting in the deaths of at least 5,479 people and leaving thousands more permanently disabled. The disaster remains one of the worst industrial accidents in history.
While the site has remained abandoned for decades, the hazardous waste left behind has been a persistent environmental and public health concern. Efforts to dispose of the waste safely have been met with legal and activist resistance, with concerns over potential contamination and the long-term impact of incineration.
As the state government moves forward with the trial incineration, all eyes will be on the High Court, where petitioners will challenge the disposal process. The outcome of these legal proceedings could determine the fate of the remaining 327 tonnes of Union Carbide waste still awaiting disposal.
Also Read: SC declines to intervene in Bhopal gas tragedy waste case
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