The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests was in process to release Rs. 126 crore for removal of 350 metric tons of toxic waste lying in the closed Union Carbide plant at Bhopal.
The Deputy Solicitor General appeared for the Union Government through the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests informed the Madhya Pradesh High Court that matter of sanction and release of Rs. 126 crore is being processed and the same is being expedited.
Further, the union government counsel informed the court that necessary affidavit in that regard shall be filed sworn by a responsible officer.
The Ministry has approved a proposal of the Madhya Pradesh government for sanction of the funds for clearing the toxic waste laying in the closed plant.
In pursuant of the court order passed on 04/05/2023, the union government counsel on August 9 2023 informed the court that the Oversight Committee met on 19/06/2023 and resolve to recommend that the amount be released by the Central Government in favour of State Government to carry out disposal of toxic waste lying at the site of the factory.
It is further informed by the counsel that on 10/07/2023 have sent requisite proposal for budget to Finance Ministry of the State of M.P. for the said amount and decision in that regard shall be taken shortly.
In May last the Court observed that the Oversight Committee shall take a
decision as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of three in this matter.
The submissions by the union government deputy solicitor general came during hearing of a PIL filed by Alok Pratap Singh (now deceased) for removal of toxic waste from the closed Union Carbide Plant for causing pollution in adjoining areas came up for hearing before the court.
Thousands of persons died after toxic gas leaked from closed Union Carbide factory in the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984.
The International Campaign for Justice Sambhavana Trust, Bhopal, who have been allowed to intervene in this case by order dated 23/06/2005.
