Indore (Madhya Pradesh): State Congress President Jitu Patwari has raised concerns over the lack of clarity in the disposal of toxic waste from the Union Carbide plant. His remarks came after a meeting with former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in Indore on Thursday. Patwari emphasised that the issue is not political but directly linked to public and environmental welfare.
Particular concern was expressed over the possible impact on Yashwant Sagar, Indore’s key water source. Patwari warned that hasty actions in the waste-burning process could have long-term adverse effects on the reservoir.
According to information, on Thursday, Jitu Patwari was in Indore city to meet the former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Here, they discussed the issue of the proposed disposal of Union Carbide waste in Pithampur. After the meeting, while talking to the press, Patwari stated that the government must present a detailed report addressing potential risks and expert recommendations. He highlighted that previous attempts to incinerate such waste have not yielded positive results. The risks, according to him, are too significant to ignore.
Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on Yashwant Sagar, a crucial water source for Indore. Patwari cautioned that rushing the waste-burning process could result in long-term harm to the reservoir. The discussions with Mahajan also highlighted these risks. Patwari called on the government to file a review petition and thoroughly reconsider the decision. He emphasised the need to assess the long-term effects of waste disposal to protect both public health and the environment.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav assures no harm to the environment
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav assured that the toxic waste from the Union Carbide plant will be safely disposed of under strict scientific supervision, adhering to environmental standards. Speaking in Bhopal on Thursday, he emphasised that the process would ensure no harmful impact on air or soil, following the waste's arrival at Pithampur’s Ramky Environment Management Engineering (REEL) Company.
Pithampur residents protested against the disposal.
Pithampur residents protested on Thursday at the local bus stand against the incineration of 377 metric tonnes of toxic Union Carbide waste from Bhopal, citing serious health and environmental risks.
