Virtual Nightmare Reborn: India Battles Toxic Legacy as Union Carbide’s Incineration Efforts Falter
The Second Trial Incineration Run of Hazardous Waste from Union Carbide’s Bhopal Factory Comes to a Close at Pithampur’s Re Sustainability Plant
The second trial incineration run of hazardous waste from Union Carbide’s Bhopal factory, which was being conducted at Re Sustainability’s waste processing plant in Pithampur, Dhar district, has come to a close. The trial, conducted in compliance with the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Jabalpur Bench, began on March 6 and concluded on Saturday.
According to the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB), the preliminary data shows that the emissions of seven pollutants, including particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, total organic carbon, and carbon monoxide, were within the prescribed limits during the trial. The feed rate or rate of incineration was increased to 180 kg per hour during the second trial, up from 135 kg per hour in the first trial.
However, the analysis of toxic chemicals dioxins and furans is still ongoing. According to MPPCB’s regional director Shrinivas Dwivedi, “We have collected the samples, and it will take at least a fortnight to get the results.” Dioxins and furans are harmful toxic chemicals emitted during the incineration of hazardous waste, and excessive emissions can pose a significant health risk if not properly contained.
The trial was halted for 22 minutes on Saturday due to an internet shutdown, which affected the collection of continuous emission monitoring data. This development came after the Pithampur Bachao Samiti, a local citizens’ group, raised concerns about the emissions monitoring during the trials, particularly with regards to hydrogen fluoride and total organic carbon (TOC) levels, which briefly exceeded the prescribed limits during the first trial.
During the first trial, the TOC levels rose to 20.69 milligrams normalized cubic metre on March 1, exceeding the prescribed limit of 20 milligrams. A breakage in the pump belt of the incinerator’s spray dryer was cited as the cause, which also led to an increase in TOC levels to 44.46 milligrams normalized cubic meter on March 1.
The development is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing environmental concerns raised by the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, which killed thousands of people and left many more affected. The Union Carbide company, now owned by Dow Chemical, was responsible for the lethal gas leak that released toxic substances, including methyl isocyanate, into the air.
As the trial comes to a close, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the hazardous waste is properly contained and disposed of, and that the affected communities are provided with necessary support and resources. The Indian Express will continue to monitor the development and provide updates as more information emerges.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/union-carbide-waste-2nd-incineration-trial-ends-levels-of-two-toxic-chemicals-under-study-9876369/
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 04:19:00
