Toxic Waste Incineration in Pithampur – Ensure Safety and Dispel the Apprehension of the Locals

MK Faizy National President

Locals of Pithampur, an industrial city in Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh, are on the streets strongly opposing the plan to incinerate tonnes of toxic waste from Union Carbide, in the city premises. The incineration project is being carried out when the Bhopal residents are not yet out of the hazardous after-effects of the gas leak from the Union Carbide factory in 1984 that killed thousands of people. The apprehensions of the Pithampur natives that the waste burning will affect their health and the environment are valid, despite the claims of the authorities that the trial run of the waste incineration has not shown any adverse environmental impact. SDPI demands that the government halt the effort, involve all stakeholders before making a final decision on the toxic waste disposal, ensure the absolute safety of the people and environment and dispel the apprehensions of the Pithampur residents.