The Madhya Pradesh High Court, led by Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain, heard the case about disposing of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide factory. No decision was made, and the next hearing is set for February 18, 2025.
This case involves the disposal of waste from the Union Carbide factory, responsible for the 1984 Bhopal Gas Leak disaster. On December 3, 2024, the court criticized the state government for delays and ordered urgent action. In response, the government moved the hazardous waste from Bhopal to a factory in Pithampur, about 240 kilometers away in Dhar district.
On January 2, 2025, around 358 tons of waste were transported to Pithampur under heavy security. However, plans to burn the waste faced strong opposition from local residents. Tensions grew on January 3 when two young people set themselves on fire in protest against the planned incineration.
In response to the growing protests, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the state government would update the court and follow its guidance on next steps. The state requested a six-week extension to address the situation and build local support before proceeding with the waste disposal and permission to remove the waste from containers.
The court clarified that it hadn’t stopped the government from taking action and warned the media against spreading false information. Doctors from Indore and local residents filed petitions, expressing concerns about the environmental and health risks of burning the waste, which could harm the local population.
The court directed the government to ask Dow Chemicals and Union Carbide for their views on the waste disposal plan. Local authorities are holding awareness campaigns to inform people about the process, but many villagers feel their concerns are being ignored.
The next court hearing will be crucial for the Union Carbide waste disposal plan.
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