The Madhya Pradesh High Court has given the state government six weeks to dispose of toxic waste from the former Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. The court directed the media to avoid spreading misinformation about the disposal process, as public anxiety has surged, prompting protests. The government promised stringent safety measures and transparency to restore trust.
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted the state government six weeks to safely dispose of toxic waste from the now-defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. This decision, made on Monday (Jan 6th), also included a directive to the media to refrain from publishing any fake or misleading news about the waste disposal process.
On January 2, twelve sealed containers of waste were transported from Bhopal to a disposal site in Pithampur, Dhar district. Advocate General Prashant Singh informed the court that unrest had erupted in Pithampur due to false reports about the dangers of the waste disposal. Singh assured the court that the state would take steps to calm public fears and provide accurate information about the process.
The High Court’s division bench, comprising Chief Justice S.K. Kait and Justice Vivek Jain, emphasized that it is the state’s responsibility to act safely and in accordance with established guidelines. The court stated,
“It is the prerogative of the respondent State to unload and dispose of the same as per the direction of the Court.”
Background on the Union Carbide Waste Disposal Issue
The Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, is addressing the safe disposal of toxic waste from Bhopal’s Union Carbide factory site, which was recently transported to Pithampur. This site is the only facility in the state equipped for scientific disposal of hazardous chemicals. Following directions from the Supreme Court and High Court, the government sought six additional weeks to gain public consent and ensure a safe incineration process.
CM Yadav emphasized the government’s commitment to adhering to court directives while prioritizing public trust and transparency. He reassured citizens not to believe rumors and highlighted the government’s efforts to involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Public anxiety over the disposal process has been significant. Just days ago, two individuals attempted self-immolation during protests in Pithampur, claiming the waste disposal could pose severe risks to human health and the environment. The state government has sought to dispel these fears, citing stringent safety measures, including the use of fireproof, leak-proof containers and the creation of a green corridor for transportation.
Read Also: Meta Challenges Rs 213.14 Crore Penalty By CCI Over WhatsApp Privacy Policy: NCLAT
The court expressed concern about the role of the media in spreading fear and misinformation. It ordered that
“the media, print and electronic, shall not publish any fake news which will create fear and confusion in the public regarding the disposal of waste material.”
The 1984 Tragedy
The toxic waste stems from the infamous gas tragedy of December 2-3, 1984, when methyl isocyanate leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal. This industrial disaster claimed at least 5,479 lives and left thousands with long-term health issues. Despite four decades passing, the waste remains a contentious issue.
During the previous hearing on December 3, 2024, the High Court criticized the authorities for their inaction and warned that further delays could lead to another disaster. The court had directed the government to transport and safely dispose of the waste within four weeks, failing which contempt proceedings would follow.
The state government assured the court of its commitment to act responsibly and regain public trust. The court reiterated the need for adherence to safety norms, granting six more weeks for compliance. Meanwhile, it urged the state to address public concerns transparently.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
