Union Carbide Toxic Waste Finally Incinerated, Over Four Decades After Bhopal Tragedy

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 23:44 IST

Over four decades after the Bhopal gas tragedy, the final batch of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory was incinerated.

Survivors hold photographs of their relatives who died in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy during a candle-light rally. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

More than four decades after the Bhopal gas tragedy, the incineration of the last batch of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory was completed on Thursday. The waste, which had been transported to a disposal facility in Pithampur over six months ago, included both contaminated soil and packaging material.

Officials said around 19 tonnes of soil laced with residual toxic chemicals and 2.22 tonnes of packaging material used during transportation were destroyed at the facility during the day.

Authorities are now preparing for the scientific disposal of the resulting ash, the official added.

The Bhopal gas tragedy, which occurred on the night of December 2–3, 1984, remains one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. A deadly leak of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, exposed thousands of residents to toxic fumes while they slept. Immediate effects were devastating. Over 3,000 people are believed to have died within days, while long-term health complications affected hundreds of thousands. Survivors continue to face respiratory illnesses, vision problems, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

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Bhopal, India, India

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