Fri Feb 28 16:53:20 UTC 2025: **Madhya Pradesh Begins Controversial Incineration of Union Carbide Waste**
**Indore, India –** The incineration of 40-year-old toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory began Friday in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, sparking a fierce political row. The first of three trial runs, authorized by the High Court despite a Supreme Court refusal to intervene, saw a 10-tonne batch burned at a private facility. The process, expected to take 72 hours, is being overseen by the Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accused the Congress party of spreading fear and deflected criticism, referencing the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. He labeled the waste “Congress’s garbage,” claiming the Congress party was responsible for the deaths of over 1 million people in the tragedy. This figure contradicts official government estimates of 5,479 deaths.
State Congress president Jitu Patwari countered by alleging that the BJP government was prioritizing hidden financial interests in choosing the Pithampur location. He warned of potential groundwater contamination and demanded testing within a 10-km radius. He challenged the Chief Minister to prove the waste is not poisonous. Local residents have previously voiced similar concerns about contaminated water and health problems linked to the Ramky Group’s waste treatment facility.
Indore Divisional Commissioner Deepak Kumar Singh stated that the incineration is being closely monitored, with real-time data available online. He announced plans for a public dialogue after the first trial. Further trials are scheduled for March 4th and 10th, with reports submitted to the High Court on March 27th. The waste comprises soil, reactor residue, pesticide residue, naphthalene residue, and semi-processed residue from the defunct UCIL site.
First Piper 