Met with public protests, MP govt decides to apprise courts of toxic waste transportation

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav says will proceed with any action only in compliance with court's order, appeals to citizens not to believe in rumours

Bhopal: Amid protests over the planned disposal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste linked to the Bhopal gas tragedy in the Pithampur industrial town of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has decided to apprise the courts of the latest position on the issue and not proceed until further court orders.

The decision was taken on Friday night during a high-level meeting to review the situation.

---

“The State government stands firmly with the people. We will not allow any harm to the public. We will bring the matter before the court and proceed with any action only in compliance with the court’s order,” Yadav told reporters after the meeting.

The Chief Minister has appealed to the citizens not to believe in rumours.

Yadav said, “The Madhya Pradesh government is a government that gives top priority to the interests of the public. Therefore, we have always moved forward with the public interest in mind. In compliance with the Supreme Court’s instructions and the High Court’s order, the Union Carbide waste has been transported to Pithampur.” He said they only transported it while complying with the safety parameters in line with the petitions and orders of the court. The court had given a deadline for the waste to be sent to the designated place before January 4. The court expected its report by January 6.

Earlier in the day, protests rocked Pithampur against the planned disposal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste linked to the Bhopal gas tragedy, prompting the authorities to clamp prohibitory orders around the premises of the firm where the incineration will be carried out.

During the protests, two persons attempted self-immolation, while sporadic protests continued in several parts of the town amid a bandh call given by the Pithampur Bachao Samiti.