Finish Formalities For UCC Toxic Waste Removal in 1 Week: HC To MP Govt

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The principal bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur on Tuesday directed state government, respondents and authorities concerned to sit together and complete all the formalities within a week for removal of toxic waste from Union Carbide factory premises.

The court said any failure to comply with the order would invite contempt of court. The matter was heard by division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kaith and Justice Vivek Jain. The court also directed to lift the toxic waste and transport it to disposal site within four weeks. However, the court asked government to exercise caution while transportation and disposal of toxic waste.

The chief secretary and principal secretary to Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department will have to appear in person to give clarification if they fail to follow the order. In 2004, Alok Prabhav Singh had filed petition for disposal of 350 metric tons of toxic waste lying on the premises of Union Carbide factory.

After petitioner’s death, court had taken up the case suo moto. The hearings are still on in the case. The division bench said no step was taken to remove the toxic waste in last 40 years despite orders given by High Court and Supreme Court.