Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday urged the residents of Pithampur in Dhar district to present their concerns in court regarding the disposal of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory.
The appeal comes after the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday granted the State government six weeks to ensure the waste is disposed of in compliance with safety guidelines. While talking to media persons here on Monday, Yadav emphasized that the High Court’s decision aligns with the State government’s expectations, reiterating their commitment to adhering to judicial directives.
He expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating, “The decision has come in accordance with our expectations. We have full faith in the court.”
The High Court also directed the media to refrain from disseminating inaccurate reports concerning the waste disposal issue. The Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal was the site of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters when, on the night of December 2 and 3, 1984, methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the facility.
The tragedy claimed at least 5,479 lives and left thousands more with severe health complications and long-term effects. On January 2, 2025, the waste, packed in 12 sealed containers, was transported from the defunct factory in Bhopal to a disposal site managed by Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited in Pithampur, Dhar district.
This action followed the High Court’s December 3, 2024, order, which mandated the removal of the waste within four weeks to avoid contempt proceedings. The transfer of the waste has sparked widespread protests in Pithampur, located about 50 kilometers from the Dhar district headquarters. Demonstrators argue that the incineration of the hazardous waste poses significant risks to human health and the environment.
On January 3, tensions escalated when two protesters allegedly attempted self-immolation during a demonstration.
Despite the unrest, the Chief Minister maintained that the State government has strictly followed the High Court’s directives.
