Toxic Waste from Gas Leak Tragedy Sparks Protests in India

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-27 05:43:58 |

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Shivnarayan Dasana, a vegetable vendor from Tarapur village in Madhya Pradesh's Pithampur, was startled by the influx of policemen in his area. Pithampur, known for its automobile and pharmaceutical industries, has been on edge since 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal arrived for disposal. The factory was the site of the 1984 gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.

Locals fear the disposal process could pose serious environmental and health risks. Protests erupted on January 3, a day after the waste's arrival, escalating into violent demonstrations. The area is now heavily patrolled, but residents continue to voice their concerns in community meetings.

The waste comprises hazardous materials, including pesticide residues and "forever chemicals," known for their persistent toxicity. Officials, however, dismiss fears, insisting the disposal process is safe. Swatantra Kumar Singh, a senior official, explained that the waste will be incinerated at high temperatures, with emissions filtered and residues sealed in specialized landfills to prevent contamination. Public sessions are being held to reassure locals, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has defended the process, urging residents to express concerns lawfully.

Environmental experts remain divided. While some endorse the incineration method, others advocate for alternatives like bioremediation, which uses microorganisms to neutralize toxins. Critics argue that incineration could release harmful substances like mercury and dioxins.

Residents of Pithampur, already grappling with pollution from industrialization, are skeptical. Decades of hazardous waste buildup have left the soil and water contaminated with mercury, arsenic, and sulphates. Tests as recently as 2024 revealed elevated toxins in the water, fueling fears of health issues such as kidney stones and skin diseases. Allegations of improper waste disposal by industries further exacerbate mistrust.

Activists in Bhopal, 230 kilometers away, see the disposal in Pithampur as a diversion from the larger issue of contamination at the Union Carbide site. Over 1.1 million tonnes of toxic soil remain untreated in Bhopal, and activists argue the government has done little to address this.

For Pithampur’s residents, the issue transcends the immediate waste disposal. It represents a broader struggle for survival and safety, underscored by years of pollution and negligence. “It’s not just about the waste; it’s about our future,” said Dasana, reflecting the community’s resolve to continue opposing the disposal.

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