Forty Years Later: Bhopal Gas Tragedy Waste Finally on Its Way to Disposal
In a significant development, 377 tons of hazardous waste have been moved from the abandoned Union Carbide factory in Bhopal for disposal, forty years after the infamous gas tragedy. This long-overdue transportation took place amid protests and concerns regarding the safety of the disposal site.
Waste Transport and Health Precautions
On a Wednesday night, the toxic waste was loaded into 12 sealed container trucks, embarking on a non-stop journey to Pithampur, located 250 km away in Dhar district. A green corridor was established to facilitate the swift transport of the hazardous material. Approximately 100 workers were involved in packing and loading the waste, each undergoing health checks and rest breaks every 30 minutes to ensure their well-being during this critical operation.
Community Concerns and Protests
Local activists have raised alarms regarding the safety of burning Union Carbide waste in Pithampur, citing a previous incident in 2015 where 10 tons of waste was incinerated, allegedly leading to pollution of soil and water sources. However, officials have assured that the decision for disposal was made only after thorough evaluations of past incidents.
Legal Mandates and Environmental Safeguards
In response to the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s directive to remove the waste, authorities faced mounting pressure to act swiftly. The court set a four-week deadline, emphasizing the need for accountability and timely action. The incineration process will involve stringent checks, including special four-layer filters to prevent air pollution, followed by careful disposal of any residual ash.
As India continues to grapple with the long-lasting impacts of the Bhopal gas tragedy, this waste removal marks a critical step in addressing ongoing environmental and health concerns. For more updates on such crucial matters, stay tuned with looffers.com.
