The bench …
Restrains… print, audio and visual media from carrying any incorrect news on waste disposal
Says… it’s state's prerogative to act and ensure safe disposal of waste as per safety protocols
Clarifies... it had never instructed the government to load the waste into trucks but only directed its safe disposal
Amid ongoing protests regarding the disposal of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) chemical waste, the High Court has granted the state government six weeks to address public concerns and build confidence regarding the incineration process at Pithampur.
The court also issued a directive prohibiting media outlets from publishing misleading or false information about the issue. After hearing the state’s submission, a division bench of Chief Justice SK Kait and Justice Vivek Jain recognised the unrest caused in Pithampur due to the circulation of fake news regarding the waste disposal.
Advocate General Prashant Singh, representing the government, requested the time to dispel myths and reassure the public about the safety measures being implemented. The court granted the six-week period to the state and instructed the media to refrain from spreading incorrect information.
It also emphasized that it was the state’s responsibility to ensure the safe disposal of the waste as per established safety protocols. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 18, 2025. The state government submitted a compliance report, stating that 337 metric tonnes (MT) of UCC waste had been successfully transported to M/s Ramky Enviro Engineers (REEL) in Pithampur, where it is being processed for incineration.
The government also sought three days to unload the waste, which had been moved in 12 sealed containers, and to continue the disposal process safely. Despite the protests and public concern over potential environmental pollution, including fears of air and water contamination, the High Court clarified that it had never instructed the government to load the waste into trucks but only directed its safe disposal.
Rachna Dhingra, convener of the Bhopal Gas Information and Action (BGIA), suggested that Dow Chemical executives, who were present during the hearing but did not comment, should be held accountable and asked to take the waste back to their country.
The protests over the waste incineration at Pithampur have intensified in recent weeks, with local residents raising concern over potential health risks. The state government is working to address these fears by implementing safety protocols and engaging with the public to provide clear information on the waste disposal process.
With the High Court's decision to grant six weeks, the state now has an opportunity to dispel myths and reassure the people of Pithampur about the safety of the operation.
Govt to go ahead only after HC advice: CM Mohan Yadav
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed happiness over the high court decision giving six weeks to the government to dispose of UC chemical waste.
Yadav thanked the court which accepted the government’s plea to give six weeks for hearing all the parties in the case.
Yadav said a decision should be taken keeping in mind the sentiments of the residents of Pithampur and other parties.
The high court took the decision, keeping in mind the government’s intentions, Yadav said, adding that he will go ahead in the case only on the basis of the court’s guidance.
All the parties should put up their points before the court, he said, adding that the people of Pithampur should also represent their side.
