Journalism of Courage
The Supreme Court Friday urged the political parties to not make disposal of Bhopal toxic waste a political issue ahead of the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and rather contribute in resolving the imbroglio in the larger public interest.
We can take note of the impending election in the state in November. Let it not become a political issue for either of the parties, a Bench of Justices G S Singhvi and V Gopala Gowda told the counsel for the state and the Centre.
The court underscored that the exercise of disposal of the waste,currently lying at the defunct Union Carbide factory premises in Bhopal,should be taken by all the stakeholders in the interest of the public.
The administration must take people into confidence. Otherwise,there will always be problems. People must be taken into confidence, said the Bench,which was earlier informed that the 350 tonnes of toxic waste can be safely burnt at an incinerator at Pithampur plant in MP.
Appearing for the MP government,senior advocate Ravi Shankar Prasad assured the court that the state was committed to removing the waste from the factory in the safest possible manner. He,however,apprehended that there was always a possibility of sensationalising the matter for political purposes. It is a highly sensitive issue. Let the state be trusted more than the Centre since it is closer to the people. Once a whisper is there that excavation of Bhopal waste is taking place,it may create a chaos. With the election round the corner,it would be a politically surcharged state, he said.
Appreciating his concerns,the Bench observed but for the upcoming election,it could have considered directing for incineration immediately.
At this,Vijay Panjwani,appearing for the Board,submitted that the Boards officials were ready to carry out the test incineration without delay.
