Criticism Mounts Over Bhopal Disaster Waste Cleanup Efforts

INIndia|

Forty years after the catastrophic Bhopal gas disaster, the Indian government's recent removal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste has been dismissed as inadequate by local activists. The waste, which was stored in containers since 2005, represents only a fraction of the over one million tonnes of hazardous materials still contaminating the site.

On the night of December 2, 1984, the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal released 40 tonnes of toxic gas, leading to over 3,000 immediate deaths and long-term health issues for countless others. Campaigners argue the current cleanup operation fails to address ongoing chemical contamination, with some areas showing cancer-causing chemicals at levels 50 times higher than deemed safe.

Despite a Madhya Pradesh high court ruling last month that pressured authorities to take action, critics, including Rachna Dhingra of the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, labeled the recent waste removal as "greenwashing." Concerns have also risen about the planned incineration of the waste, which could lead to further environmental hazards.

Local communities continue to protest, fearing increased toxic exposure, while the government claims the incineration will occur safely. Nonetheless, many view the Bhopal disaster as an unresolved injustice, with calls for greater accountability from Union Carbide and its parent company, Dow Chemicals.

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