Bhopal's Toxic Legacy: Union Carbide Waste Incinerated

The toxic legacy of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy has finally been addressed as 337 tons of hazardous waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory have been incinerated at a disposal plant in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. An official confirmed this significant development six months after the waste was transported to the unit.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the waste disposal, which faced initial resistance from locals fearing environmental and health repercussions. Despite early protests, the incineration proceeded under meticulous supervision, ensuring emissions stayed within prescribed safety limits.

The State Pollution Control Board reported that emissions, including heavy metals, during the waste burning were within acceptable standards. Meanwhile, residue from the incineration process is being safely stored, with scientific measures in place to ensure its proper and safe disposal by year-end.

(With inputs from agencies.)