Bhopal Removes Toxic Waste After 40 Years: A Safe Disposal Process

Bhopal, India – After 40 years, dangerous waste from the old Union Carbide factory has finally been removed for disposal. Last night, 377 tons of this harmful waste was packed into 12 trucks, which traveled non-stop for 250 kilometers to an industrial area in Pithampur.

Swatantra Kumar Singh, the director of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, shared that a special route was set up to help the trucks make their long journey safely. Around 100 workers packed and loaded the waste, taking breaks every 30 minutes to stay healthy.

The Bhopal gas tragedy occurred on December 2-3, 1984, when a toxic gas leaked from the factory, causing over 5,479 deaths and leaving many others with serious health problems. It is considered one of the worst industrial disasters in history.

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh High Court told local authorities they must act faster to clear the Union Carbide site, giving them a four-week deadline. If all goes well with the disposal process, the waste will be burned within three months, but it could take up to nine months if any issues arise.

Before burning the waste, officials will perform tests to ensure safety. Special filters will clean the smoke to prevent air pollution. If any harmful materials are left after burning, the ashes will be safely buried to protect the soil and water.

Despite some concerns raised by local activists about past disposal practices, Singh assured everyone that this operation follows strict safety guidelines. On Sunday, many residents protested against disposing of the waste in Pithampur, a town with about 175,000 people.