Expressing “great anguish” over hazardous waste lying in now defunct Union Carbide Factory even after 25 years of the Bhopal gas tragedy, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh today said the government is looking at safe ways of its disposal.
“It is a matter of great anguish that the waste was lying in the factory premises even after 25 years of the worst environmental disaster,” Ramesh told reporters here.
He said three organisations have carried out studies on safe disposal of the waste.
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“We are looking at it. No haste will be made for its disposal,” he said, adding technical examination of reports will be carried out and NGOs will be consulted before its safe disposal.
On a study which suggests that the waste should be put in bunkers and then sealed, he said, “we are looking at all safe safe ways of disposing it.”
On reports that the waste was contaminating the ground water, he said it was a “matter of concern“.
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While the disposal work will be carried out by the state government, it will be funded by the Centre, the minister said.