Context: Unloading of toxic waste from Union Carbide factory in Bhopal starts in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, despite protests.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )
- Timeline: 358 tonnes of chemical waste were moved on January 2 and unloaded on February 13, five days before Jabalpur High Court’s next hearing on February 18.
- Historical Context: The Union Carbide plant was the site of a 1984 gas leak disaster that killed thousands.
- Safety Measures: Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra assures public that waste containers remain locked, and incineration will not start until court hearing.
- Incineration Process: The government plans to incinerate waste at Pithampur facility, but it has been delayed by protests.
- Protests: Locals and activists continue to protest the incineration, fearing environmental and health impacts. Protests include symbolic acts like shavasana (corpse pose).
- Court Involvement: High Court hearing on February 18 will decide the next steps, with local groups focusing on presenting their evidence in court.
- Official Statements: Authorities deny rumours of incineration beginning, confirm unloading is done with safety protocols, and emphasize public consultation for any future action.
- Local Concerns: Locals remain skeptical, and protests are expected to intensify based on court’s ruling.
Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
- Chemical Formula: CH₃NCO
- Type: Highly toxic and volatile chemical compound.
- Uses: Primarily used in the production of pesticides, especially carbamate pesticides (e.g., Sevin).
- Properties:
- Colorless gas with a pungent odor.
- Extremely reactive and unstable, especially when exposed to moisture or heat.
- Toxicity:
- Causes severe respiratory issues, eye irritation, and damage to the nervous system.
- Can lead to death in high concentrations.
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy:
- MIC was the primary gas released during the 1984 Bhopal disaster.
- Its leakage from a Union Carbide plant resulted in thousands of deaths and long-term health effects for hundreds of thousands of people.
