Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984: ‘Remains Of People Being Burnt Along With UCC Waste…’ Women’s Group Stages Protest In Pithampur (WATCH)

Mhow (Madhya Pradesh): A group of women staged a protest in Pithampur town in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday, opposing the incineration of hazardous waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. The demonstration took place a day after the trial burning of 10 tonnes of waste began.

The protest was led by Monika Solanki, an activist from Pithampur industrial area and a resident of Tarpura village, located near the Waste Management Company. The group gathered at the Maharana Pratap Bus Stand, where they sat on the stairs, holding a portrait of Dr. BR Ambedkar, and raised slogans against the government and administration for ignoring their demands.

‘Remains of people being burnt with UCC waste’

Speaking to the media, Monika Solanki stated, "A large number of people lost their lives in the 1984 Union Carbide disaster, and now their remains, along with the waste, are being incinerated in Pithampur. We have been opposing this for years. We demand the government to return the waste to Bhopal, or our protest will continue until it is relocated."

However, the protest lasted only 30 minutes, as officials, including the police, engaged in discussions with the demonstrators and assured them that the process was being conducted scientifically and safely.

10 tonnes of waste incinerated on day-1

The trial incineration of 10 out of 337 tonnes of waste started on Friday afternoon in Pithampur. Initial reports indicated that air quality and environmental parameters remained within normal limits.

Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh reassured protesters that the incineration was scientific and safe. 

Meanwhile, heavy police deployment remains at the incineration site due to previous protests since the 337 tonnes of waste were transported to Pithampur from Bhopal in special trucks on January 2.