Pithampur blastsprobe widens, plant remains shut

Indore/Mhow: A day after multiple explosions occurred at the hazardous waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Pithampur, authorities have widened the probe."We have sought details on the types of materials stored in the area where the blast took place. The company has been asked to provide this at the earliest. As of now, no incineration or operations are taking place at the plant," MPPCB Dhar region, regional officer Ajay Mishra said.The industrial health and safety department has also intensified its inquiry. Rajesh Yadav, joint director, said that the access to affected section has been restricted. "Our inquiry is underway to ascertain the factors responsible for the blasts. No one will be allowed to enter the section where the incident occurred till investigations by our department and other agencies are complete. Samples collected from the site will be sent for laboratory testing," he said.The explosions, reported on Tuesday inside the stabilisation shed located about 450 metres from the landfill storing 899 tonnes of ash from incinerated Union Carbide waste, have triggered concerns among local residents and activists.Members of Pithampur Bachao Samiti have demanded inclusion in the probe panel. "To ensure an impartial investigation, representatives from our organisation should be included. The tremors were felt up to 2 km away, and there is concern that the residual ash stored at the site must not be disturbed, as it could pose a serious risk to a large population," said Hemant Hirole, a member of the group.Residents in nearby areas said the incident has heightened anxiety. Manas Patel, a student living about 300 metres from the facility, said his family was considering relocating. "There is uncertainty after the blasts. We were reassured earlier after the incineration process, but this incident has created fear among residents," he said.