Carbide killed people,still killing land

“The UCIL was dumping toxic wastes generated during the manufacture of pesticides within the premises of its Bhopal plant from 1969 to 1984 contaminating solid and groundwater in and around sites,” says the report by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute(NEERI).

It may be made clear that contamination of soil and groundwater in and around UCIL premises is solely due to dumping of above mentioned wastes during 1969 to 1984,and MIC (methyl isocyanate) gas tragedy has no relevance to it,said the report which has been submitted to the environment ministry.

Over 15,000 people had died in the tragedy and thousands of others were maimed.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh is heading the oversight committee to coordinate and monitor the remedial steps being undertaken by Madhya Pradesh Government in and around the site to make it safe for the locals.

The government should set up a secure landfill site and a pump and treat system for long-term remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater at the plant Union Carbide India Ltd (UCIL) plant in Bhopal,says the study.

“The cost of soil remediation through secured landfill is estimated to be in the range of Rs 78 crore to 117 crore while the capital cost for such pump and treat unit shall be in the range of 25 to 30 lakh,” it noted.

“Proper fencing and security to the plant premises and solar evaporation pond (SEP) area for preventing unauthorised access and use by public,immediate sealing of five contaminated wells so as to prevent use of water from these for any purpose by the residents,” are some of the suggestions made in the report.

Besides NEERI,the studies were carried out by National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI) which conducted reconnaissance survey of the UCIL premises,geophysical and hydrological investigation as well as sampling and analysis of soil and groundwater in and around the plant.

During the reconnaissance survey,NGRI-NEERI team observed remains of various manufacturing plants,machinery,buildings and sheds within UCIL premises.

“Most of these structures were in dilapidated conditions and appeared to be contaminated.”

Though the unit was closed down in December 1984 as a result of the gas leak incident,no remedial action was taken in the last 25 years.

It was only last year the NEERI and NGRI were asked to conduct study by Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department (BGTRRD) of the Madhya Pradesh government in response to a court order.

It also recommended that BGTRRD should engage competent professional contractors for execution of various remedial measures suggested by NEERI.