Protests Escalate Over Union Carbide Waste Disposal in Pithampur

Residents and organizations demand relocation of hazardous waste incineration, citing environmental and health risks.

Protests have intensified in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, over the incineration of 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal.
Local groups, including the Pithampur Bachao Samiti, oppose the disposal plan, warning of environmental and health consequences for nearby communities and institutions.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted the state six weeks to address public concerns and ensure compliance with safety protocols, with the next hearing scheduled for February 18, 2025.
The protests have disrupted industrial activity in Pithampur, with factories reporting a 5-7% drop in worker attendance over the past week.
Authorities are conducting awareness campaigns to counter misinformation, while protestors threaten to escalate actions and potentially move the issue to the Supreme Court.