A German firm selected to remove toxic waste from the Bhopal gas leak site has said it would require over 4,000 special containers approved by the United Nations as well as trained experts for the job.
Besides this, it would identify and train workers for packing of 346 tonnes of toxic waste removal which can be done during winters only.
“We need about 4,000-4,500 UN approved containers of 120 litres each. These containers would be purchased. All waste product will be carefully packed and sealed before shifting them to Germany,” GIZ International Services' Regional Director for South Asia, Mr Hans H. Dube, told PTI.
He said at least 30 workers would be needed for the highly specialised job.
“First we need to identify workers, train and provide them with full protection (masks, special clothes and other relevant gears). We can only do it (packaging) during winters as there will be low temperature and that too during the night. All these workers would be working in shifts of not more than two hours due to the heavy load of safety gear they will be putting on while working,” Mr Dube said.
A Group of Ministers (GoM) has yesterday approved disposal of about 346 tonnes of toxic waste, lying within the premises of the erstwhile M/s Union Carbide India Ltd (UCIL) at Bhopal, in Germany via GIZ IS.
“The United Nations has set certain standards for the containers to be used for these sort of jobs. There are five countries namely the US, UK, Japan, France and Germany,” Mr Dube said.
He said once at least 90 tonnes of waste is packed then a transporter aircraft would be called to air-lift it adding that the exact place of its treatment would be known later.
“A decision has not yet been made about where to dispose of the hazardous waste. The chosen location must allow for the waste to be disposed of safely, without compromise, and must not endanger the environment or people's health. Facilities in Germany, for example, fulfil these conditions,” Mr Dube said.