NEW DELHI – More than 40 years after the catastrophic Bhopal disaster, Indian authorities have started the long-delayed process of removing hundreds of tonnes of hazardous waste from the site of the deadly chemical leak.
The tragedy occurred in December 1984 when a toxic gas leak from the Union Carbide factory killed around 3,500 people instantly, with the total death toll reaching an estimated 25,000. The chemical contamination left many local residents suffering from serious health problems, particularly due to the polluted groundwater.
After decades of delays, the Indian government finally took action this week, moving 337 tonnes of dangerous waste to a disposal site 225 kilometers away in Pithampur. The waste is being transported in a highly secured convoy, with police escorts ensuring the utmost safety measures are in place for this significant operation.
The waste will undergo scientific disposal through incineration, a process that was ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court following the 40th anniversary of the disaster. The cleanup, set to take place within a month, aims to remove the lingering toxins and prevent further environmental damage to the region.
The Bhopal disaster remains one of the worst industrial accidents in history, and this cleanup marks an important step in addressing its lingering consequences. However, for many survivors, the wounds from the tragedy continue to affect their lives.
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