INTRODUCTION
The MP high Court had directed for the proper disposal of toxic waste from the Carbide factory based in Bhopal. After this the government promised safety measures. Further the media was also directed by the court to not spread any sort of misinformation.
BACKGROUND
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy which took place on 3rd Dec 1984, which resulted in death of about 5000-8000 people and not just this but it also deeply affected the next generation because of the heinous effects of methyl isocyanate gas which leaked from a pesticide plant in Bhopal. It resulted in long term incurable diseases such as asthma and many lung diseases.
A group of doctors have expressed an emergency in hearing the matter as it was claimed that this untreated toxic waste in Pithampur as well as in Indore is harmful for the residents which is very near to the industrial towns. As stated by THE HINDU, the state government has started loading 337 metric tonnes of toxic waste lying in the Carbide factory premises for 40 years. The idea remains that this waste be treated soon with the court’s directions and the government’s plans.
KEY POINTS
Adv. Gen. Prashant Singh had well informed the court about the unrest in the society due to the proper disposal of hazardous waste. The court stated, “It is the prerogative of the respondent State to unload and dispose of the same as per the direction of the Court.”
The waste was transported to Pithampur only for the waste to be facilitated and properly treated by scientific equipment and experts. The Hon’ble Supreme Court and Madhya Pradesh High Court had also gained public consent for continuation of the process safely with all the precautions.
The division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain on 6th January ordered, “the media, print and electronic, shall not publish any fake news which will create fear and confusion in the public regarding the disposal of waste material.”
It is also known that some of the waste may be burnt and disposed until in Pithampur until no toxic elements remain. The ashes and residue will further be examined to find out whether any harmful elements are left.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The court’s ruling focused on the importance of accurate public information in ensuring that the cleanup process could proceed smoothly. The judges acknowledged that there were valid concerns regarding the safety of the toxic waste disposal, but they stressed that these concerns needed to be addressed with verified facts rather than rumors or speculation.
The court also highlighted the role of the media in shaping public opinion. While the media has a critical role in keeping the public informed, the court pointed out that sensationalized reports had contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Specifically, some media outlets had reported that the unloading of the waste could lead to another disaster, a scenario that had no basis in fact. Such reports, the court noted, created unnecessary alarm and distracted from the state’s efforts to manage the cleanup process.
CONCLUSION
The Union Carbide location is a hazardous site and it still requires a lot of cleanup to be done. It has been neglected for decades and that’s the reason as to why the operation is being deemed hazardous. However, it said that the success depends on the government maintaining public confidence in the process, this means that the Pubic should feel secure rather than being worried about the process. While the operation does progress, it is crucial to keep all those involved in the operation rightfully engaged. This would exceed all expectations to resolving this long standing matter.
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WRITTEN BY: DIYAA GOSWAMI
