Bhopal Gas Tragedy: 377 Tonnes Of Chemical Residue Cleaned Out From Union Carbide Factory; What Next?

Bhopal: After 40 years following the tragic Bhopal gas disaster of 1984, hazardous waste was finally removed from the abandoned Union Carbide factory for disposal. Trucks began transporting 377 tonnes of toxic waste to a disposal site in Pithampur, about 250 kilometers from Bhopal. The Bhopal gas tragedy, which occurred on December 2-3, 1984, caused at least 5,479 deaths and lifelong health issues due to the release of toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas. The waste remained a major concern for over four decades.

Green Corridor Established

Prompted by safety issues raised by workers in neighboring factories, the Madhya Pradesh High Court criticized government inaction regarding the cleanup and set a four-week deadline for waste relocation, warning of possible contempt proceedings against officials. To ensure secure transportation, authorities established a "green corridor," allowing the trucks to depart Bhopal around 9 PM, with an expected arrival in Pithampur within seven hours, maintaining an average speed of 50 kilometers per hour.

Union Carbide Factory Waste Cleaned Out

A 200-meter radius around the site was sealed off, with over 1,000 police officers deployed for security. Approximately 100 personnel in protective gear managed the waste packing and loading in shifts, ensuring safety protocols were met. The operation involved 12 sealed, leak-proof containers, with a convoy of 25 support vehicles, ensuring safe passage and monitoring throughout the journey.

What Does The Hazardous Waste Contain?

The hazardous waste at Pithampur includes various materials like remnants of Sevin pesticide produced at the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, contaminated soil, pesticide residues, reactor waste, and industrial chemicals. The total hazardous waste amounts to around 162 metric tonnes of soil, 92 metric tonnes of Sevin and naphthol residues, 54 metric tonnes of semi-processed pesticides, and 29 metric tonnes of reactor waste. It also contains methyl isocyanate (MIC), linked to the 1984 gas leak disaster.

How Will Be The Hazardous Waste Processed?

The initial waste processing steps will involve incineration at a dedicated unit, where the resulting ash will undergo rigorous testing for harmful elements. To limit air pollution, a specialized four-layer filtration system will be used. Once deemed safe, the ash will be encapsulated in a two-layer membrane before being buried to avert water and soil contamination. This operation will be monitored by both the Central and State Pollution Control Boards. If testing is successful, incineration could begin within three months, delayed possibly up to nine months if issues arise.

Local Activists Protests

Local activists, citing a past incident where about 10 tonnes of Union Carbide waste in 2015 contaminated soil and water, have raised concerns. In response, a pollution control officer assured the community of implemented safety measures, including a leak-proof waste handling shed. Ramky Enviro Engineers manages Pithampur’s operations, which comply with CPCB standards, marking it as Madhya Pradesh's only modern incineration facility. Protests against the waste disposal efforts have intensified, drawing significant local participation.