In News:

The Madhya Pradesh government has begun disposing of the 337 tonnes of toxic waste from the premises of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) in Bhopal, 40 years after the gas tragedy.

Key Highlights:

• Packing and Transportation:
  • Waste is packed in airtight containers under the supervision of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB).
  • 12 specially designed airtight containers are being used for packing, and each container will be loaded onto trucks for transport.
  • The waste movement will be escorted with a green corridor of about 250 kilometers.
• Incineration Process:
  • The waste will undergo incineration in Pithampur, with residue stored in a two-layer membrane landfill to prevent contamination.
  • A trial incineration of 10 tonnes of the waste was done in 2015 with no harmful effects, and results were submitted to the High Court.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: A Historical Overview

• About the Tragedy:
  • In 1984, a chemical leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant released methyl isocyanate (MIC), leading to one of the worst industrial disasters in history.
  • The leak was caused by a failed maintenance attempt and malfunctioning safety systems.
  • Immediate effects included respiratory issues, eye problems, and abdominal pain, while long-term effects included chronic lung conditions, genetic abnormalities, and higher infant mortality rates.
• Legal and Government Response:
  • In 1985, the Indian government passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act to represent victims in legal claims.
  • UCIL initially offered USD 5 million, while the Indian government demanded USD 3.3 billion. The case was settled in 1989 for USD 470 million.
  • In 2010, seven Indian nationals were convicted for causing death by negligence, but were released on bail.

Hazardous Waste Management in India

• Definition and Types:
  • Hazardous waste refers to waste that poses significant risks due to toxicity, reactivity, or corrosiveness.
  • Common sources include chemical production, outdated technologies, and wastewater treatment.
• Regulations and Disposal Methods:
  • The Environment Protection Act (1986) and the Basel Convention (1992) govern hazardous waste management in India.
  • India generates about 7.66 million tonnes of hazardous waste annually, with the majority being landfillable (44.3%) and recyclable (47.2%).
  • Disposal methods include incineration, co-processing in cement plants, and material/energy recovery.
• Challenges in Hazardous Waste Management:
  • Inadequate treatment technologies, especially in small and medium industries.
  • The need for stricter compliance with waste management laws and more efficient remediation of hazardous sites like Bhopal.