Bhopal/Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A local organisation, Pithampur Bachao Samiti, has strongly opposed the Union Carbide waste disposal in Pithampur. The organisation staged protests on Tuesday, warning of a larger agitation. The members even stated that they would move to Supreme Court, if needed.
This agitation comes a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court's deferred the next hearing to Feb 18, giving the government additional six weeks time to take necessary steps. Protestors threatened that if the government goes ahead with its plan, they would move to the Supreme Court.
According to information, Hemant Hirole, convener of the Pithampur Bachao Samiti, who is spearheading the protests, welcomed the High Court’s decision, stating it aligns with the sentiments of local residents who strongly oppose the incineration of toxic waste near their city.
“The people of Pithampur demand that the waste be transported to another location using a green corridor for safe and swift movement, similar to how it was brought here from Bhopal,” Hirole said.
He warned that if the government proceeds arbitrarily, the organisation would either move the Supreme Court or launch a larger mass movement. “We will stage protests stronger than those on January 3 and will not allow incineration near the city under any circumstances,” he asserted.
Previous protests
Since the state government's decision on the UCC waste disposal came out, protests erupted in Pithampur and surrounding areas. Hundreds of students, different organisations, and opposition members began protests. They staged protests against the disposal of harmful chemical waste, citing health and environmental risks.
The protest also witnessed the involvement of school children, who joined the demonstration on-site. Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans, urging the authorities to reconsider their decision and explore safer methods for managing hazardous waste.
