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National
MP High Court Orders Probe into Mercury in Union Carbide Waste Ash
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 08:19 PM
👁 4
The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the State Pollution Control Board to submit a report within seven days on allegations that ash from Union Carbide’s toxic waste contains mercury.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a firm stance after receiving complaints that the ash left after incinerating Union Carbide’s hazardous waste may be contaminated with mercury. In a written order, the court instructed the State Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to investigate the claim and submit a detailed report within seven days.
Union Carbide, whose operations in the state have long been under scrutiny for environmental compliance, allegedly generated toxic waste that was later burned. Environmental groups and local residents have raised concerns that the residual ash could pose a health risk if it contains heavy metals such as mercury.
The court’s directive requires the MPCB to conduct laboratory analysis of the ash samples, document the findings, and circulate copies of the report to all parties involved, including the petitioner, the company and the state government. The board has been asked to ensure the testing follows nationally recognised protocols.
If the investigation confirms the presence of mercury, the High Court may order remedial measures, including safe disposal of the ash and possible penalties for non‑compliance. The ruling underscores growing judicial attention to industrial pollution and its impact on public health in India.
The case adds to a series of recent environmental litigations in the country, reflecting heightened vigilance by courts and civil society over hazardous waste management.
Union Carbide, whose operations in the state have long been under scrutiny for environmental compliance, allegedly generated toxic waste that was later burned. Environmental groups and local residents have raised concerns that the residual ash could pose a health risk if it contains heavy metals such as mercury.
The court’s directive requires the MPCB to conduct laboratory analysis of the ash samples, document the findings, and circulate copies of the report to all parties involved, including the petitioner, the company and the state government. The board has been asked to ensure the testing follows nationally recognised protocols.
If the investigation confirms the presence of mercury, the High Court may order remedial measures, including safe disposal of the ash and possible penalties for non‑compliance. The ruling underscores growing judicial attention to industrial pollution and its impact on public health in India.
The case adds to a series of recent environmental litigations in the country, reflecting heightened vigilance by courts and civil society over hazardous waste management.