A massive protest has erupted against the burning of the Bhopal gas tragedy waste in Pithampur, 250 km from Bhopal. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Friday morning to protest against it. Two youths even tried to commit self-immolation during protest and were seriously burnt.
Union Carbide’s toxic waste reached Pithampur on Thursday (2 January). On Friday (3 January), the protest against burning of 337 metric tonnes of Union Carbide’s waste began.
Hundreds of people took part in protest. People created ruckus at Pithampur bus stand and raised slogans ‘Toxic waste will not burn, will not burn‘. After protests Section 163 has been imposed in Pithampur that prevents gathering of more than four people at one place.
When the protesters tried to block the road, the police dispersed them by using mild force. Two youths who were protesting tried to immolate self by pouring petrol on them. Both got burnt. The youths have been admitted to the hospital.
According to the information, Rajkumar Raghuvanshi poured petrol on himself. Suddenly, Rajkumar started burning. Raju Patel, who was standing near Rajkumar, also got caught in the fire. The police and the people present on the spot extinguished the fire. Both have been admitted to the Burn Unit ICU of Choithram Hospital in Indore.
When the protesters headed towards Ramki Enviro Industries, the police stopped them by barricading. Due to the protest, vehicles were diverted from Power House Square via Mahindra Bridge.
One of the protesters said, “We are opposing the plan to bring this garbage from Bhopal to Pithampur and burn it. We have not been told anything about its impact.”
Another person who was opposing burning of toxic waste said, “If burning or disposing of it will not cause any problem, then why was it not disposed of in Bhopal itself? We are not against anyone, just that this garbage should not be disposed of here. Why are the same problems being created in Pithampur that the people of Bhopal are facing?”
A youth involved in the protest says, “We do not want to die, we want to live. Where the garbage is being burnt and where its ashes will be buried? We have to work here as labourers and earn our living. We earn our living by working hard but the politicians are killing the people.”
The members of Pithampur Bachao Samiti also returned from Delhi and reached the protest site. The people of the committee say that the fast will continue till the toxic waste is taken back from here. The women involved in the protest have collected their bangles to send them to the public representatives. Along with the local people, BJP and Congress leaders are also participating in the protesters.
On the other hand, Advocate Babulal Nagar, who filed a petition in the High Court against burning of UCC waste, said that we have filed a petition in the High Court. The hearing will be held on January 6. We will present the ill effects of this waste and other information before the court.
Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra and SP Manoj Kumar Singh have appealed to the people of Pithampur to maintain peace. The officers said that the government will not take any such step, which will harm the public. But if someone violates the law and order, we will take strict action. You are requested not to take the law in your hands. Maintain peace.
