Bhopal Chemical Disaster Site Begins Cleanup 40 Years Later Amid Local Opposition

The Indian justice system has ordered the cleanup of toxic waste at the site of the infamous Bhopal chemical disaster, which occurred 40 years ago. In December 1984, a leak from a pesticide plant resulted in a gas cloud that claimed nearly 4,000 lives and injured tens of thousands more. Despite the passage of time, the site remains heavily contaminated with waste from the Union Carbide plant.

On December 3, 2024, the Madhya Pradesh High Court mandated that the regional government expedite the disposal of the remaining hazardous waste. Last week, a convoy of twelve trucks transported 377 tons of toxic materials from Bhopal to Pithampur, about 220 kilometers away, for incineration. Officials have assured the public that emissions will be filtered and ash safely disposed of.

However, many residents in Pithampur are alarmed by these plans, fearing for their health. Protests erupted as hundreds demonstrated against the arrival of the trucks, with some businesses shutting down in solidarity. Tensions escalated when two protesters self-immolated in front of the police, while others attempted to storm the incineration facility.

Activists have criticized the cleanup efforts as inadequate, pointing out that the 377 tons removed represent only a small fraction of the estimated 170,000 tons of toxic waste still on site. The High Court expressed frustration over the slow progress of remediation efforts and noted that public health concerns remain paramount, given that groundwater around the former factory site is still severely polluted.

Amid the cleanup, it was reported that the Sambhavna Clinic, which offers free medical care to disaster survivors, was recently forced to suspend operations due to funding issues. After persistent advocacy from victims, a new operating license was granted following years of bureaucratic delays.