MP News: Supreme Court Refuses to Halt Disposal of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Waste

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to intervene in the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision to transfer and dispose of toxic waste from the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy at Pithampur in Dhar district. The bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and A.G. Masih, also refused to stop the trial run scheduled for the waste disposal process on the same day.

Expert Assessments Considered

The court noted that expert bodies, including the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), had submitted their assessments regarding the safety and feasibility of the waste disposal plan. These evaluations were reviewed by both the high court and an expert panel before approving the transfer of hazardous material.

The apex court advised concerned citizens, activists, and civil society organizations to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which is already overseeing the matter. It emphasized that the high court is the appropriate forum to address any safety or environmental concerns regarding the waste disposal process.

Toxic Waste Transfer and Safety Measures

On February 25, the Supreme Court had asked for details on the safety precautions being taken for the disposal of the toxic waste. Currently, about 377 tonnes of hazardous material from the defunct Union Carbide India Ltd plant in Bhopal has been shifted to the Pithampur industrial area, which is approximately 250 km from Bhopal and 30 km from Indore.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy: A Dark Chapter in History

The Bhopal gas disaster remains one of the world's worst industrial tragedies. On the night of December 2-3, 1984, a deadly methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leak from the Union Carbide factory resulted in the deaths of 5,479 people, while over 500,000 individuals suffered severe health complications. The tragedy left a lasting impact on generations, with survivors continuing to battle health issues and demand justice.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling, the disposal process is set to continue, though concerns remain over environmental and public health risks associated with handling the toxic waste.