Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Victims of the Bhopal Gas Disaster have welcomed the High Court’s directive to dispose of 350 metric tonnes of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) chemical waste within four weeks.
The tragedy survivors have urged the government to ensure that the toxic waste is transported to Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL) at Pithampur for incineration at the earliest. However, residents and local organisations in Pithampur have resumed their protests, fearing the incineration of toxic waste at the local plant would pose health risk.
Under the banner of Pithampur Bachao Samiti, residents have voiced concerns about the disposal of chemical waste at the incinerator, citing potential health hazards. The officials of the department of gas relief said that within next few days detailed plan for disposing of UCC plant waste as per the HC directives will be finalized. International investment firm KKR has over 50% share of Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL).
There are 12-13 villages around Pithampur, where villagers had protest over UCC chemical disposal at incinerator earlier.
Rachna Dhingra, Bhopal Group for Information and Action,
“The action on the HC directives over disposal of UCC waste should be taken at the earliest. However, the key concern is the removal of the contaminants that have spread in the surrounding soil and the ground water and is detrimental to the health of the people living in the vicinity. Water contamination should be addresses on priority. State government should stop misleading the court and put all facts before it court.
Sandip Raghuvansi
Pithampur Bachao Samiti
“We, the residents of Akoliya and nearby villages, have resumed our protests against the disposal of UCC waste in our area. Protests were held earlier, and after the recent High Court order, we are standing firm against any attempts to dispose of toxic waste here.”
Gautam Kothari
President, Pithampur Adyogik Sangathan
“We had protested under banner of Lok-Mitra in 2012. But now, let the burning of UCC waste start at REEL(KKR), Pithampur, if any health issue is noticed, we will again launch protest there.”
KK Dubey
Deputy secy, Gas Relief Department
“ Following the High Court’s order, we will hold a meeting with the minister in the coming days to finalize the plan for UCC waste disposal.”
