A day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the government to safely dispose of the Union Carbide waste within six weeks, the Dhar administration held a meeting with industrialists to address safety concerns. Officials cited test reports from prior incineration of similar waste, assuring that there is no risk involved in the disposal process.
Key Developments
1. Objective of the Meeting
Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra stated that the meeting aimed to provide industrialists with factual information regarding the waste disposal process.
- Test reports from the 2015 incineration of 10 tonnes of identical waste were presented to assure the safety of the process.
- Industrialists were encouraged to share the information with their workforce, contractors, and trade union representatives.
2. Industrialists’ Response
Around 150 industries participated in the discussion.
- Industrialists agreed to conduct awareness sessions in their factories to inform workers about the scientific methods employed for safe waste disposal.
- Gautam Kothari, President of Pithampur Audhyogik Sangathan, emphasized the importance of such initiatives to dispel rumours and prevent public unrest.
3. Protective Measures at Disposal Site
- Pithampur Industrial Waste Management Pvt Ltd has taken steps to secure the facility, including razor-coil fencing and enhanced police deployment.
- Barricades have been erected on roads leading to the facility, following violent protests during the transportation of 337 MT of waste on January 2.
4. Scientific Justification
Officials detailed the chemical composition of the waste and the safety of incineration, carried out by Ramky Enviro Engineers.
- Test results indicated no harmful effects from the process.
- Emails with detailed data were sent to industry bodies to enhance transparency.
5. Industry’s Role in Awareness
- Dinesh Mishra, a senior executive at an industrial unit, stressed the importance of educating workers to counter misinformation.
- Awareness sessions will be organized to ensure operations in the industrial area remain uninterrupted.
Public Concerns and Officials’ Response
The disposal of waste has led to public protests, including stone-pelting at the facility’s main gate. The administration has promised legal action against those spreading misinformation or obstructing the process.
- Officials assured that all measures comply with scientific standards and sought cooperation from the industrial and local communities.
Conclusion
The safe disposal of Union Carbide waste is a critical environmental and public health issue. The Dhar administration’s engagement with industrialists and proactive measures aim to ensure transparency, public safety, and continued industrial operations. As officials work against the clock to meet the six-week deadline, effective communication and awareness will be key to addressing public concerns and maintaining stability.