Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh’s industrial town Pithampur remained completely closed on Friday as a protest against the incineration of Union Carbide‘s toxic waste at town’s Ramki Environment Management Engineering Ltd. (REEL).
Not only small businessmen, but several factories participated in the shutdown. School students, on the other hand, opposed the disposal of hazardous waste in Pithampur fearing environmental and health risks.
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All private buses have stopped operating in the town, causing significant inconvenience to many passengers. However, the residents stood strict in their demand for a safer solution to the toxic waste issue.
Clash between protestors and cops
A massive crowd gathered at the town’s Maharana Pratap Bus Stand after which police flung into action to check any possibility of violence. The protest was almost peaceful, but a clash occurred between protestors and police after some time. This allegedly escalated into stone-pelting and police baton charges.
The protest and opposition has been thriving among Pithampur residents, ever since the news of incineration at REEL came out. The decision has also sparked widespread anger among residents who fear its harmful effects.
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Protestors demand safer solution
Political representatives and community leaders from Pithampur are urging the government to reconsider burning the waste in Pithampur. They demand the toxic waste be moved and disposed of at another location to avoid any potential health and environmental disasters.
According to sources, leaders and activists had been appealing to traders and businessmen to support the strike for the past three to four days. This resulted in a complete shutdown on Friday.
