Protests and Outreach Efforts Intensify Over Union Carbide Waste Disposal in Madhya Pradesh

The state government defends its incineration plan in Pithampur while protesters demand alternative solutions, citing health and environmental risks.

The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an outreach campaign to address concerns about the incineration of Union Carbide chemical waste in Pithampur, focusing on educating factory workers and industry groups.
Protests have erupted in Indore and Pithampur, with demonstrators questioning the safety of the waste disposal process and demanding it be moved to alternative locations like Pokhran in Rajasthan.
The waste, linked to the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, was transported to Pithampur on January 2, sparking violent protests, including self-immolation attempts, though the area is now reportedly calm.
Protesters argue that if the waste is not hazardous, as claimed by the state government, it should be disposed of in Bhopal rather than near industrial and residential areas in Pithampur.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the state to ensure the safe disposal of the waste by adhering to guidelines, with a compliance report due in six weeks.