Is a solution finally in sight for the disposal of 350 metric tonnes of toxic waste which has been lying on the premises of the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal for a quarter century?
Representatives of the Australian company, Enware, attending the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear(CBRN) Disaster Management and Security meet in the capital, made an offer to DRDO scientists to clean up the contaminated factory with special metal oxides that also contain nanomaterial properties with a final particle size of nearly 5um.
These oxides being marketed by the brand name of Fastact have been devised to act against chemical and toxic spills.
Scott Whittaker, business development manager who takes care of environmental and health issues for Enware, said, “Fastact neutralises cya-nide, pesticides, a range of acids and also vapour acids which include hydrogen cyanide.”’
“American soldiers in Afghanistan carry Fastact in three separate pouches containing wipe down mitts and decontaminating powder in a soft protective pad. It has also being used by the Australian army,” said Mr Whitaker.
The DRDO, he claimed, has shown interest in this product to help decontaminate shelters being used by jawans.
“The DRDO has been in the forefront in helping the ministry of environment and forests to dispose of the Union Carbide factory waste. We will test a small quantity of this powder to see how effective it is in Bhopal,” a scientist said, adding that the final decision on the disposal of toxic waste must be taken by the Madhya Pradesh government.
Dr W. Selvamurthy, chief controller (R&D), DRDO, issued a word of caution. “We (India) normally use solutions but this (fasttrack) is a powder which when applied on the skin will immediately neutralise the toxic agents. But Bhopal has a huge amount of waste.”
Dr Muzaffar Ahmed, member, NDMA, said, “The courts have already given a ruling on this matter.”