Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reassured Pithampur residents that the state government prioritizes public safety and interests amid protests over the disposal of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal.
Speaking to reporters after a late-night meeting with officials on Friday, Yadav urged residents not to believe in rumours and reiterated that the disposal process adheres to strict safety and legal standards.
Government Compliance with Court Orders
The toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, the site of the 1984 gas tragedy, was transported to Pithampur for incineration following a court order that set a January 4 deadline. The Chief Minister emphasized that the operation was conducted in compliance with the directives of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
“The court had given us a deadline for this work on the 4th… It is important to tell the public that there is no threat to safety standards. In view of the fear among the public, our effort will be to bring this matter before the court and further action should be taken on that basis. I request everyone not to believe false rumours; we are all with the public,” Yadav said.
Public Safety and Transparency
Yadav acknowledged the fears and concerns of Pithampur residents and assured them that the government remains committed to their safety. He pledged to seek the court’s guidance on further actions and reiterated that safety standards have been maintained throughout the process.
Dhar District Administration’s Response
Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra assured the public that no actions would be taken without their consent and that all safety protocols are being followed.
“I want to tell everyone that no action will be taken without taking people into confidence. All processes are being carried out following scientific measures and directives from the Madhya Pradesh High Court,” Mishra said.
Mishra also warned protestors against escalating the situation, stating that the administration would take strict action if the protests turned into a law-and-order issue.
“Public concerns will be heard, and discussions will continue. We will clear all doubts of the public. Everyone is urged not to take the law into their own hands. Pithampur is an industrial area with schools and other establishments. It is important that neither we suffer any loss nor harm anyone else. If the situation worsens, strict action will follow,” the collector added.
Background: The Union Carbide Waste
The toxic waste originates from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, the site of the 1984 gas tragedy, considered the world’s worst industrial disaster. On the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984, a gas leak from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant claimed thousands of lives and left long-lasting health and environmental consequences.
After nearly four decades, the waste was transported to Pithampur on the night of January 1 for incineration as part of ongoing efforts to address the environmental legacy of the disaster.
Conclusion
The Madhya Pradesh government and Dhar district administration have sought to address the public’s fears while ensuring compliance with court orders and safety standards. The situation in Pithampur remains tense, with protests continuing, but authorities have pledged transparency and dialogue to resolve the issue amicably.