Key Points:
- The trial incineration of 30 tonnes of Union Carbide waste from the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy began on February 27 in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh.
- The waste, stored for decades, includes hazardous materials like pesticide residues and contaminated soil, transported from Bhopal in 12 containers.
- Over 500 police personnel have been deployed to ensure security amid protests by local residents and activists concerned about environmental risks.
- The incineration process is being monitored by experts from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), state pollution boards, and NEERI.
Dhar: Four decades after the catastrophic Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the trial incineration of 30 tonnes of hazardous waste from the defunct Union Carbide plant has begun at a treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. This marks a significant step in addressing the toxic legacy of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.
The waste includes pesticide residues, reactor by-products, and contaminated soil that have been stored since 2005. Following a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the trial run is being conducted under strict safety protocols to determine the feasibility of disposing of the remaining 337 tonnes of waste.
The Incineration Process
The trial involves incinerating five types of hazardous waste at temperatures exceeding 850°C to ensure complete destruction of toxic compounds. The process will take approximately 72 hours and is divided into three phases with varying feed rates 135 kg/hour, 180 kg/hour, and 270 kg/hour. Experts will analyze emissions to ensure they remain within permissible limits before proceeding with full-scale disposal.
The facility is equipped with advanced safety mechanisms, including an automatic shutdown system in case of emission violations. Personnel handling the waste are provided protective gear such as masks, goggles, and gloves.
Security Tightened Amid Protests
The disposal site in Pithampur is under heavy security, with over 500 police personnel deployed to prevent disruptions. Protests by local residents and activists have intensified due to fears of environmental contamination and health hazards. Demonstrators argue that past incidents of industrial pollution in Pithampur raise doubts about the facility’s ability to handle such toxic waste safely.
Activists have also raised concerns about potential groundwater contamination from incineration residues. “We are not convinced that environmental norms will be strictly followed,” said Dr. Hemant Hirole, a social activist based in Pithampur.
A Toxic Legacy: Why This Matters
The hazardous waste from Union Carbide’s Bhopal plant has been a persistent issue since the 1984 gas tragedy that killed over 8,000 people within days and affected thousands more over time. While this waste is unrelated to the infamous methyl isocyanate gas leak, it has continued to contaminate soil and groundwater around the plant.
A 2018 study by IITR found dangerously high levels of heavy metals like mercury and lead in groundwater near the site. Activists argue that delays in waste disposal have exacerbated health risks for local communities.
Government and Court Oversight
The Madhya Pradesh High Court mandated the safe disposal of this waste following years of inaction. The Supreme Court recently declined to intervene in a petition challenging the High Court’s directive, allowing the trial incineration to proceed.
Dhar District Collector Priyank Mishra assured that all safety measures are being followed. “This trial run will help determine the ideal parameters for full-scale disposal,” he said. A compliance report will be submitted to the High Court on March 27.
Challenges Ahead
- Environmental Concerns:
Activists fear that incineration could release harmful toxins into the air or leach into groundwater despite safety measures. - Public Opposition:
Local residents have staged protests demanding alternative disposal methods or relocation of the waste outside India. - Technical Hurdles:
Ensuring emissions remain within legal limits while managing residues from incineration poses significant challenges.
What’s Next?
If emissions during the trial run meet safety standards, full-scale incineration will begin at a rate of 270 kg/hour. The entire process could take up to nine months to complete. Residues from incineration will be scientifically disposed of in a double-lined landfill at the Pithampur facility.
Meanwhile, activists continue to push for greater transparency and stricter environmental safeguards. Some have called for transporting the waste abroad for safer disposal, as was done with hazardous materials from Unilever’s Kodaikanal plant in Tamil Nadu.
A Step Forward Amid Challenges
The trial incineration of Union Carbide’s hazardous waste marks a critical step towards resolving a decades-old environmental crisis. While it offers hope for finally addressing this toxic legacy, concerns about safety and long-term impacts remain unresolved.
As authorities proceed cautiously under court supervision, this operation highlights the importance of balancing environmental responsibility with public trust a lesson learned painfully from one of history’s worst industrial disasters.
