The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted the state government a six-week period to proceed with the disposal of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide factory according to safety norms. The directive comes amid growing public unrest and concerns about environmental and health safety in Pithampur, where the waste is currently stored.
In a session on Monday, the division bench, including Chief Justice SK Kait and Justice Vivek Jain, responded to an appeal from Advocate General Prashant Singh, who requested additional time to address community fears in Pithampur and ensure comprehensive public understanding of the disposal process.
The controversy centers on 12 sealed containers of toxic waste transported from Bhopal to a disposal site in Pithampur, Dhar district, on January 2. The relocation of this waste has sparked significant anxiety and protest among local residents, culminating in a dramatic incident three days ago when two men attempted self-immolation in opposition to the disposal plans.
Amidst these tensions, the High Court also issued a stern warning to media outlets, instructing them not to disseminate incorrect or misleading information about the waste disposal operations. This media directive aims to quell the spread of what the court described as “fictitious and fake news” that has contributed to the unrest in Pithampur.
The state government has been under scrutiny for its slow action following the tragic 1984 Bhopal gas disaster, which resulted in thousands of deaths and ongoing health issues for many survivors. Persistent delays in addressing the leftover waste have led to fears of further environmental damage. During the last hearing, the High Court criticized the authorities for their “state of inertia” and warned of contempt proceedings if the waste was not adequately managed within the stipulated time.
