As the protest against the disposal of 337 tonnes of hazardous waste from Union Carbide intensifies, the administration has decided to impose Section 163 (formerly Section 144) to maintain law and order. The restrictions are effective immediately.
Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra said, "Under the direction of the CM, our priority is communication with the public. We have to take all decisions with compassion and transparency by taking everyone into confidence. We have put our points and people have put theirs."
Two attempt self-immolation
On Friday, two persons attempted self-immolation while protesting against the waste disposal. However, no casuality is reported as they were shifted from a local hospital to a private facility in Indore, where doctors confirmed they are out of danger.
The protests began from concerns by people regarding the safety and environmental implications of relocating hazardous materials to the township, located approximately 30 kilometres from Indore.
Pithampur Bachao Samiti calls for Bandh
Protests continued in several parts of the town through the day amid a bandh call given by Pithampur Bachao Samiti, with a mob marching to the industrial unit in which the waste is set to be incinerated. Shops and markets remained closed as part of the bandh call. During the protests, a group blocked the road near Eicher Motors, but police prevailed over them and restored normalcy after a mild cane charge.
A mob of 500-600 persons marched to the Ramky Group's Industrial Waste Management Private Limited premises, where the waste is set to be incinerated
What triggerred the protest
Four decades after the Bhopal gas tragedy, toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide India Ltd factory in Madhya Pradesh was shifted to Pithampur for scientific disposal. Twelve containers of hazardous waste - remnants from the Union carbide disaster that happened 40 years ago, killing at least 5,479 persons and leaving thousands with serious and long-lasting health issues in Bhopal.
As the waste was shifted to Pithampura, people started the protest and stated that the incineration of the Carbide waste in the town would be detrimental to the health of the local people and environment.
