Director Gas Relief and Rehabilitation, Swatantra Kumar Singh said that under the guidance and supervision of the Central Government's Oversight Committee, action is being taken to safely dispose of the remaining 337 metric tonnes of chemical waste from Union Carbide. He explained that the waste will be packed, loaded, and transported in 12 specialized containers designed according to CPCB standards, with stringent security measures in place. Each container is leak-proof, fire-resistant, and equipped with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring. Two trained drivers have been assigned per container to ensure safe transportation. The convoy will include police security, an ambulance, a fire brigade, and a quick response team to address any emergencies. The waste will be transported through a dedicated green corridor from Bhopal to Pithampur TSDF with operations set to commence soon.
Singh stated that the only facility in Madhya Pradesh for the disposal of chemical and hazardous waste is located in Pithampur, Dhar district. This plant is specifically designed for the safe incineration of waste generated by industrial units across the state. Established in compliance with the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the facility ensures the secure disposal of hazardous materials.
In 2015, a trial run for disposing of 10 metric tonnes of waste was conducted under CPCB supervision, adhering to all prescribed safety parameters. The current disposal of the remaining 337 metric tonnes of chemical waste is being carried out in accordance with orders from the Supreme Court and the High Court, as well as the recommendations of the Oversight Committee/Task Force Committee constituted by the High Court on June 19, 2023.
The state-of-the-art Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) at Pithampur has been safely incinerating waste from various organizations since 2006, similar to the storage and operational processes at UCIL. Across the country, 42 such facilities are in operation, treating and disposing of chemical waste in an environmentally safe manner. The Common Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (CHW-TSDF) at Pithampur, operated by PIWMPL (Pithampur Industrial Waste Management Pvt. Ltd.), a subsidiary of Re-Sustainability Limited, is specifically designed to handle hazardous waste with precision and safety. The facility employs advanced technologies for incineration, landfill management, and emission control. It continuously monitors water and air quality during the waste disposal process, ensuring adherence to strict environmental standards.This cutting-edge facility offers innovative solutions for disposing of hazardous waste, reducing the risk of natural resource contamination, and maintaining environmental safety. It stands as a model for sustainable waste management practices.
Director Singh highlighted that during and after the 2015 trial run of UCIL waste disposal conducted under CPCB supervision, emission levels were found to comply with the prescribed national standards. The results indicated that no harmful elements were detected in the air or water following the disposal process. The remaining residues from incineration were securely disposed of at the TSDF (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility) through landfilling, utilizing a double composite liner system to ensure environmental safety. Singh emphasized that no adverse effects on the environment or public health were observed during or after the process. He further noted that this assessment was validated by CPCB and confirmed by the relevant officials. The Government of India has formally informed the Supreme Court of these findings through an affidavit, underscoring the safety and effectiveness of the waste disposal process.
Singh informed that Collector Dhar conducted a detailed investigation into the reports claiming a "98% decrease in crop production and fivefold increase in contamination of water in areas of Pithampur where waste was incinerated." The findings, as stated in the Collector's report, revealed that over the past 10 years in the Pithampur Circle village, the cultivation area for soybean and wheat crops has increased. In contrast, a decline in the cultivation of maize and gram was observed, attributed to reduced farmer interest in these crops. Overall, an 11.83% increase in the total crop area for these four crops was recorded.The report further detailed the land ownership distribution. Of the surveyed land, 14.857 hectares across 28 survey numbers were under private ownership, 13.032 hectares across 7 survey numbers were categorized as government land, and 3.478 hectares across 6 survey numbers were classified as diverted land. These findings were based on a comprehensive review conducted by the Collector.
Singh addressed the claims published in a newspaper regarding polluted red water in a drain near the Pithampur plant area and allegations of skin infections and respiratory problems among locals. To investigate these concerns, a team comprising skin specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal, research scientists from ICMR, and relevant departmental doctors was formed. A comprehensive health survey was conducted across 12 affected villages.According to the findings, the prevalence of skin diseases in these villages was recorded at 1.77%, and respiratory diseases (URTI) at 1.14%. In comparison, national data provided by the Government of India shows a prevalence of 7.9-60% for skin diseases and 40-50% for respiratory conditions. These figures indicate that the reported cases are within normal levels.The report concluded that the claims made in the published news article were misleading and lacked factual basis, as evidenced by the investigation's findings.
Director Singh reported that the Regional Director (Central) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bhopal, collected five water samples from areas surrounding M/s Pithampur Industrial Waste Management Private Limited. Based on the analysis report received on 25-12-2024, some parameters—such as color, chloride, hardness, sulfate, fluoride, and total dissolved solids—exceeded the permissible limits set under the drinking water standard IS 10500 in two open wells. These wells are located near the landfill in village Tarpura and near Bukneshwar Temple (report WW24.25-188.189). The findings indicate that these elevated parameters generally reflect groundwater quality and do not appear to be linked to the TSDF operations. Furthermore, the presence of heavy metals in the samples was negligible, and no connection to UCIL waste was identified. This conclusion was confirmed by the scientists involved in the analysis.
Singh stated that an Oversight Committee was established at the Central Government level in July 2010 to manage the disposal of UCIL waste. Chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the committee includes the State Government’s Environment Minister and the Minister for Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation.
