Sun Jan 12 14:48:50 UTC 2025: ## Pithampur Residents Protest Toxic Waste Disposal from Bhopal Gas Tragedy

**Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, January 12, 2025** – The peaceful industrial town of Pithampur has been rocked by protests over the disposal of 358 tonnes of toxic waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. The waste, a byproduct of the Union Carbide factory, was transported to the Ramky Group’s Pithampur Industrial Waste Management plant on January 2nd, sparking widespread outrage.

Protests, which included self-immolation attempts and stone-throwing, erupted on January 3rd. While daily life has since resumed, fear and anxiety remain high among residents, particularly in villages near the plant. Locals question the government’s decision to bring the waste to Pithampur, citing concerns about potential health impacts and environmental contamination.

The Madhya Pradesh government claims the waste, after being incinerated at 1200 degrees Celsius with a four-layer filtration system, poses no significant risk, citing a previous Supreme Court-approved trial incineration of 10 tonnes of the same waste at the facility. However, residents express skepticism, citing previous instances of water contamination and health issues allegedly linked to the Ramky plant’s operations. They fear a repeat of the Bhopal tragedy.

The government maintains that misinformation fueled the protests and has filed several cases against protesters. However, residents point to the lack of access to clean drinking water, contaminated wells, and visible environmental degradation in nearby villages as evidence of their concerns. Migrant workers have also left the area due to the fear and uncertainty.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted the government six weeks to address public concerns. The next hearing is scheduled for February 18th. Activists and residents continue to demand transparency and assurance that the waste disposal will be conducted safely and responsibly, while Bhopal gas tragedy survivors have expressed solidarity with the Pithampur protesters.

Read More