Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Government has decided to seek some time from the Jabalpur High Court to build a consensus with the public before disposing of the Union Carbide waste in Pithampur industrial town, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain said on Saturday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has reassured the public that the state government prioritizes their interests and safety in the wake of the protest by Pithampur residents.

He urged residents of Pithampur to remain calm and not believe in rumours surrounding the disposal of toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal.

"The state government is a government that prioritises public interest. We have always moved forward with public interest... We have transported the Union Carbide factory waste to Pithampur in compliance with the court's order," Mohan Yadav told reporters here after a late-night meeting with officials on Friday.

The waste was transported to Pithampur for incineration, complying with a court order that set a deadline of January 4.

Yadav emphasised that the government has always prioritized public interest and ensured that safety standards are maintained. He acknowledged the public's fears and concerns, stating that the government would bring the matter before the court and take further action based on the court's direction.

Protests rocked Pithampur against the planned disposal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste linked to the Bhopal gas tragedy, prompting the authorities to clamp prohibitory orders around the premises of the firm where the incineration will be carried out.

During the protests, two persons attempted self-immolation, while sporadic protests continued in several parts of the town amid a bandh call given by the Pithampur Bachao Samiti.