Protests over transfer of toxic waste from Bhopal Gas tragedy site to Pithampur turn violent; two attempt self-immolation
PTC Web Desk: Protests against the transfer of toxic waste from the Bhopal Gas tragedy site to Pithampur in Dhar district turned violent on Friday, with two persons sustaining burn injuries in a self-immolation attempt, eyewitnesses reported.
The toxic waste, originating from the Union Carbide factory site in Bhopal, was transported to Pithampur for disposal on the night of January 1, nearly 40 years after the Bhopal Gas tragedy—the world’s worst industrial disaster. The tragedy claimed thousands of lives following a deadly gas leak from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant on December 2–3, 1984.
One of the injured protesters, Rajkumar Raghuvanshi, expressed his anguish, stating, "I have done this (self-immolation) against the toxic waste brought here."
The protests escalated as locals demanded the return of containers carrying hazardous waste from Pithampur. The police used mild lathi charges to disperse the crowd and rushed injured to the hospital.
Pithampur SDM Vivek Gurjar appealed for calm, assuring residents that the disposal process would be conducted under strict scientific supervision. "I appeal to the people to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration," he stated.
Despite assurances, protesters, including social worker Sandeep Raghuvanshi, expressed distrust in the government’s claims. "There is anger among the public. We request the state government to send the containers of toxic waste back. My strike will continue until the 12 containers brought from Bhopal are sent back," Raghuvanshi declared.
The protests also included a local shutdown, with shopkeepers voluntarily closing their businesses. A local shopkeeper explained, "We will not let the waste be incinerated here. We want the government to ensure this waste is not disposed of in Pithampur."
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav defended the disposal plan, citing a 2015 trial run that reportedly had no adverse environmental impact. "After detailed analysis, the MP High Court directed the incineration of the remaining hazardous waste," he stated, adding that the government aims to proceed transparently.
The administration faces growing resistance from Pithampur residents, who remain adamant in their demand to relocate the toxic waste disposal process.
- ANI
