Bhopal Begins Shifting Union Carbide Waste After 40 Years

Bhopal:  Forty years after the infamous Union Carbide gas tragedy, the Madhya Pradesh Government has commenced the long-awaited process of removing 377 metric tonnes of hazardous waste from the now-defunct factory in Bhopal. The waste is being transported to an incineration site in Pithampur, near Indore.

The move comes after the Madhya Pradesh High Court had strongly criticized authorities for their failure to act despite repeated court directions to clear the toxic waste, which has remained a source of concern and environmental hazard for decades.

The waste, which includes toxic chemicals and contaminants, has long been a source of concern for the local community, especially in the aftermath of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which left thousands dead and countless others suffering from long-term health issues. The court’s order reflects the growing urgency to mitigate the environmental risks posed by the abandoned chemicals.