Bhopal, May 6 || After decades of lingering uncertainty, the disposal of "307 tonnes of toxic waste" (earlier 347 tonnes) from the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy has begun in Pithampur.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had already issued directives in this regard earlier.
"The process began from evening on Monday," a senior officer in the MP Pollution Control Board told, adding, "The incineration is proceeding at a steady rate of 270 kilograms per hour at the facility, with environmental safeguards firmly in place.
A continuous online monitoring system has been installed to track emissions, ensuring compliance with pollution control regulations. The total process will take 50-55 days or even a few more days."
The toxic waste is being disposed of at a private facility.
To further mitigate environmental risks, experts are closely observing four key pollutants - particulate mercury, heavy matter, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide - emitted during the burning process.
"Additionally, air quality monitoring stations have been deployed at three locations across Pithampur (near Indore). Alongside the existing station in Tarpura, new sites in Chirakhan and Bajrangpura were operationalised on May 4 to reinforce oversight.