Massive unrest has broken out in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, following the arrival of 337 tons of toxic waste from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal. Thousands of residents took to the streets, prompting police to resort to lathi-charge to control the agitated crowd. The hazardous waste was transferred to an industrial waste disposal unit in Pithampur on Thursday morning, 40 years after the tragic Bhopal gas disaster. Protesters are demanding the removal of the toxic waste from their area.
The situation has escalated, with two individuals attempting self-immolation. Both were rushed to Choithram Hospital in critical condition. Roads in Pithampur are flooded with protesters, and the strike has received full support from local residents, with businesses shut down across the town. Despite efforts by officials and political leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, tensions remain high. Vijayvargiya assured that steps are being taken to address public concerns, but his intervention failed to quell the protests.
To contain the unrest, authorities have suspended mobile networks and deployed mobile jammers. Police have blocked key routes leading into and out of Pithampur, disrupting traffic for hours. Protesters have damaged several vehicles and blocked the Mumbai-Agra national highway.
The attempted self-immolation further fueled the agitation. Following the incident, protesters tried to march towards the Ramky waste management facility, but police dispersed the crowd using batons. Many factory workers in the area are facing difficulties due to roadblocks, lack of drinking water, and limited food supplies.
As the protests intensify, concerns over public safety and waste management persist, with fears that further unrest could escalate if the demands of the residents are not addressed.
