– Pervez Bari
Bhopal – Protests erupted in Pithampur following the transfer of hazardous waste from the abandoned Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal for incineration. The situation escalated on Friday when two young men attempted self-immolation.
Raju Patel and Rajkumar Raghuvanshi, aged 25 and 27 respectively, reportedly poured petrol on themselves during the demonstration. Police promptly intervened, rushing them to a community health centre for treatment.
The self-immolation attempt intensified the protests, with demonstrators raising slogans against the ruling government. Despite efforts by the District Administration to calm the crowd, tensions remained high as more people joined the agitation.
The demonstrations drew participants from various communities, including students, tribals, and local political figures such as Sailana MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar. Protesters staged a dharna and blocked the bus stand area, causing significant traffic disruptions for over 30 minutes. Vehicles were rerouted via Power House Square and Mahindra Bridge to ease congestion.
Following the self-immolation incident, demonstrators began marching toward Ramky Enviro Industries, where the incineration is planned. Police set up barricades and deployed additional officers to prevent protesters from reaching the site.
Law enforcement has tightened security at the protest site near Pithampur bus stand, confining demonstrators to a designated area. Political leaders from various parties addressed the crowd, expressing solidarity with the protesters’ demands.
The Pithampur Bachao Samiti, recently returned from Delhi, joined the protests, amplifying the dissent. Farmer Sandeep Raghuvanshi continues his hunger strike, vowing to maintain it until the toxic waste is removed from Pithampur.
The industrial town of Pithampur observed a complete shutdown on Friday in protest against the incineration plan. Local businesses, factories, and schools participated, expressing concerns over potential environmental and health risks. Public transport services were also halted, causing inconvenience to commuters.
Community leaders and political representatives have urged the government to find a safer disposal method for the toxic waste. They demand the waste be relocated and treated elsewhere to avoid potential environmental and health hazards.
The strike followed several days of appeals to traders and businesses to support the cause, culminating in Friday’s complete shutdown.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav assured the public that the disposal of Union Carbide’s toxic waste would adhere to strict scientific guidelines to prevent harm to the environment.
“The waste disposal process has been carefully studied to ensure no impact on air, soil, or groundwater,” Yadav stated. He emphasised that the incineration in Pithampur is being conducted under Supreme Court directives and based on a trial run conducted in August 2015.
He criticised opposition parties for politicising the issue, pointing out that Bhopal residents lived with the waste for four decades without adequate solutions. “This is not a political issue but a matter of compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders,” he said.
He reassured residents that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure public safety and environmental protection during the waste disposal process.
