40-year-old toxic waste from Bhopal gas tragedy site leaves city for disposal

On the night of December 2, 1984, a massive release of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide plant transformed the city into a gas chamber, killing more than 15,000 people and affecting over 600,000.

The waste, linked to the deaths in one of India's deadliest industrial disasters, was being handled under the supervision of the district administration, municipal corporation, health department and pollution control board. The disposal will take place at a facility in Pithampur.

As many as 12 leak-proof and fire-resistant containers were being used to transport the waste, with each container carrying an average of 30 tonnes. Around 100 workers were involved in the process, with shifts limited to 30 minutes due to safety concerns.