Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Opposition to the incineration of toxic Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) waste in Pithampur has gained momentum, just a few hours after the waste reached Pithampur for disposal, as doctors, public representatives, and intellectuals from Indore and Pithampur united to voice their concerns.
While the doctors raised concern over increased risk of cancer near the disposal sites, the former city engineer Atul Sheth warned against incinerating waste in colder months when gas dispersion is reduced. Cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya convened a meeting on Thursday to discuss the concerns over the same in which members of the MGM Alumni Association, local leaders, and citizens participated.
However, Vijayvargiya assured that no final decision on burning the hazardous waste would be made without public consent. He acknowledged his earlier misconceptions about the waste's toxicity, which were clarified by officials, and emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing public doubts and ensuring accountability.
During the meeting, Dhar MLA Neena Verma strongly opposed the disposal plan, citing health risks to Pithampur’s 500,000 residents and suggesting that the waste be relocated to a safer site. Citizens echoed similar concerns, questioning why local representatives were not included in Supreme Court discussions.
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Trial burns conducted in 2013 and 2014
Trials largely unknown to key stakeholders, admits offical During the meeting, IAS Vivek Porwal revealed that trial burns were conducted in Pithampur in 2013 and 2014, with reports submitted to the Supreme Court, but admitted these trials were largely unknown to key stakeholders.
Porwal explained that 60 per cent of the waste consists of soil with naphthal-7, a compound losing toxicity over time, and assured that waste incineration would be monitored daily by the Central Pollution Control Board. He added that agricultural productivity and water quality were tested across 17 locations after the trials and the results reportedly showed no water contamination. “The government had not acted hastily and had followed due process. The incineration of 337 tons of waste is expected to take several months,” he added.
Concerns Raised
Vinita Kothari |
"Many cancer cases originate from industrial areas. Factories pollute these regions, and burning carbide waste will worsen the situation, harming public health."
– Vinita Kothari, VP, MGM Alumni Association
Dr SS Nayyar |
"Burning this waste is highly risky. No one can guarantee safety, and there’s always a chance of mishaps or hazardous consequences."
– Dr SS Nayyar, Oncologis
Tulsi Silawat |
"The government stands with the public and will ensure all decisions are made in favour of their safety and well-being."
– Tulsi Silawat, Minister
Shankar Lalwani |
"We are committed to the public and will take steps that prioritise their welfare and benefit above all else."
--Shankar Lalwani, Member of Parliament, Indore
Neena Verma |
"Hazardous waste was brought to Pithampur without notice. A new plant in a remote area is needed. Exporting it abroad is a better solution."
– Neena Verma, MLA Dhar
Mujeeb Qureshi |
"This waste is harmful, as experts say. If it’s safe, why burn it? Cancer cases rose after past burning, and no investigation followed."
– Mujeeb Qureshi, Congress Leader
