Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, respecting public sentiments, has decided not to burn Union Carbide waste in Pithampur at present. There has been a lot of opposition from the public against taking the chemical waste stored in the Union Carbide plant in the capital Bhopal to Pithampur for burning. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called a meeting of officials and public representatives late on Friday night and also announced that the government will not tolerate any harm to the public at any cost. He gave the latest update on the government’s stance on the matter through a post on social media platform X. He wrote, “Our government has taken cognizance of the Pithampur incident. Our government is public welfare, public friendly and respects public sentiments. In compliance with the order of the Honorable High Court, the waste of Union Carbide has been transported to Pithampur.
“Respecting public sentiments, all the circumstances and practical difficulties will be informed to the Honorable High Court. In this regard, an urgent meeting was held with Deputy Chief Ministers Jagdish Deora and Rajendra Shukla, cabinet colleague Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP State President VD Sharma, Dhar MLA Neena Vikram Verma, Chief Secretary and higher officials. He further said, “I appeal to the public not to believe any rumor or false news. I and my government are with you.”
It is noteworthy that chemical waste was stored in the Union Carbide plant area located in Bhopal for the last 40 years, which has been taken to Pithampur on the instructions of the court. This waste is to be burnt in Ramki Industries. Protests against this effort made by the government have started in Pithampur and other places including Indore. In Pithampur, two youths even tried to commit suicide.
In view of the increasing protests in Indore and surrounding areas, the state government has also communicated with public representatives from different sections of the people. Everyone was informed about the court order. It has also been claimed that there will be no loss of any kind. In a high level meeting held on Friday night at the Chief Minister’s residence, discussions were held with senior public representatives and top administrative and police officials as well as jurists regarding the transportation of Union Carbide’s waste and its dumping and disposal near Pithampur.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that in compliance with the instructions of the Supreme Court and the order of the High Court, the waste of Union Carbide has been transported to Pithampur. We have only carried out transportation following the safety parameters in accordance with the petitions and orders of the court. The court expected its report by January 6. If there is any threat or feeling of fear among the public regarding security parameters, the state government will make efforts to present this matter before the court. After this, we will be ready to follow whatever order the court gives. Till then we will not move forward.
