Waste from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy has been transported to Pithampur for disposal, while approximately 1.1 million tonnes remain at the site

Decades Later, Bhopal Gas Tragedy Waste Begins Disposal, But Over a Million Tonnes Still Remain

Bhopal, the city that witnessed one of the world’s worst industrial disasters in 1984, continues to grapple with the toxic legacy of the gas tragedy. Recently, a portion of the hazardous waste left behind at the Union Carbide factory site was transported to Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, for scientific disposal. While this marks a step toward addressing the environmental and health hazards, the staggering reality remains that nearly 1.1 million tonnes of toxic waste still lie at the site, untouched for almost four decades.

The process of waste disposal has been fraught with delays, legal battles, and public protests over the years. Activists have consistently raised concerns about the government’s inability to provide a comprehensive solution, while residents of Bhopal’s affected neighborhoods continue to bear the brunt of contamination in their soil and water. Many families in the vicinity still report health issues such as respiratory problems, birth defects, and cancers, believed to be linked to the lingering toxins.

The waste recently moved to Pithampur is only a fraction of the total contamination. Officials have assured the public that the disposal will be conducted using state-of-the-art technology to minimize environmental risks. However, locals in Pithampur are apprehensive about potential dangers associated with the transport and disposal of the waste in their region.

Environmental activists have called for a faster and more transparent approach to the cleanup. Rachna Dhingra, a long-time advocate for Bhopal survivors, remarked, “Transporting a small amount of waste is symbolic at best. The people of Bhopal have waited nearly 40 years for justice, and this is far from the comprehensive action they deserve.”

Meanwhile, the Union government has pledged to expedite the process of clearing the remaining waste and rehabilitating the affected area. However, experts argue that the lack of accountability from Union Carbide’s parent company, Dow Chemical, continues to hinder substantial progress.

For the people of Bhopal, the tragedy is not just a memory—it’s an ongoing struggle. Every step toward removing the waste is a reminder of how far the city still has to go in healing from one of the darkest chapters in industrial history.