Village Rejects Union Carbide Waste Incineration | 15 Jan 2025
Why in News?
The controversy over the disposal of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant in Bhopal has come into focus as hazardous material has been transported to Tarpura village in Madhya Pradesh's Pithampur town for incineration.
Key Points
- Hazardous Waste Relocation:
- 337 MT of toxic waste from the UCIL Bhopal plant has been moved to Pithampur for disposal.
- Containers are parked at a private treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
- Protests and Opposition:
- Local residents, businesses, and activists have opposed the incineration of the waste.
- A general strike was observed in the region because of concerns including environmental degradation, groundwater contamination, and inadequate regulation.
- Government Response:
- The Dhar district administration has launched an awareness campaign to address concerns.
- Outreach includes farmers, workers, and industrial associations, emphasizing adherence to environmental norms.
- Local Environmental Challenges:
- Pithampur's industrial area is already heavily polluted, affecting air, water, and soil quality.
- Reports of increased groundwater salinity and related health issues such as skin problems.
 2.jpg)
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984
- The Bhopal gas tragedy was one of the worst industrial accidents in history that occurred on the night of 2-3 December 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, MP.
- It exposed people and animals to the highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate (MIC), causing immediate and long-term health effects and deaths.