12 trucks carrying 337MT Union Carbide waste reach Pithampur plant near Indore

On New Year’s Day, 12 trucks loaded with 337 metric tons of toxic waste generated during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy arrived at the Pithampur treatment facility, about 30 kilometers from Indore, in a well-coordinated operation. After passing security checkpoints, authorities said the convoy arrived at the site at 4:35 AM on Thursday. It is a significant advance toward the safe disposal of waste left over from the 1984 disaster.

The trucks started their 225 km journey from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal on January 1 around 9 PM. There was fog all the way, and the convoy rode single file at low distances with fog lights. Through these challenges, the convoy preceded at a slow enough pace to prevent any damage during the transport operation.

Strict actions were taken by the authorities to ensure that this waste was moved safely out of the state. With the coordination of the police and local administrations, a green corridor has been created in Bhopal, Dewas, Indore, and Dhar districts. Security personnel were deployed along the route, while safety measures were enforced indoors and in public movement. That was an emergency situation, so they were announcing to the residents in the city to stay indoors for their own good.

The SP of the special armed force had arranged for 45 personnel to ensure security when the hazardous waste was unloaded at the treatment facility in Pithampur. Burning toxic waste incineration, a process requiring three to nine months, can be done on-site. The residue will be rigorously tested so that it can be safely dumped in a landfill.

Officials said all safety protocols for waste transportation were adhered to. “The trucks reached safely though it was late due to dense fog,” said Pithampur SDM PramodGurjar.

This action came after a high court ruling on December 4, which directed that the waste be lifted from the Bhopal location over a span of four weeks. The decision is viewed as a long-delayed step toward resolving the legacy issues of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

One of the highlights of Indore news is that this move also highlights a concerted approach to curb one of India’s major environmental problems.