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Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Bhopal used to be referred to as the "City of Lakes", famous for two tranquil waterways which run through the center of town. However, ever since the unprecedented human catastrophe of twenty years ago, the city of 1.4 million has become a global symbol of the dangers of industrial development.
In December, 1984, 30 to 40 tons of methyl isocyanate—a lethal gas—leaked from a Union Carbide pesticide factory, poisoning nearly 47 sq. miles (75 sq. km). While the official death toll was 2,500, estimates based on the number of shrouds and burials range up to 8,000. Between 50,000 and 150,000 were injured.
Independent studies have shown victims continue to suffer from chronic inflammation of the eyes and respiratory tracts, lung disease, and increased miscarriages. Sambhavna Trust, a non-profit clinic dedicated to providing healthcare for the victims of the Bhopal tragedy, report that breathlessness, a persistent cough, diminished vision, early-age cataracts, loss of appetite, menstrual irregularities, recurrent fever, loss of sensation of the limbs, fatigue, anxiety and depression are all symptoms of survivors. It is also concerned about secondary problems, such as growth retardation of children born after the disaster.
Union Carbide refutes full responsibility for the deadly incident, claiming that a disgruntled employee may have intentionally released the gas. Other groups contend that the plant was poorly designed, necessary safety systems were lacking, there was no emergency response plan, and that cost cutting had eaten away at what margin of safety existed.
After the Bhopal incident, transnational corporations producing hazardous chemicals reviewed their production strategies internally and many raised their safety standards in developing countries. While many corporate plant factories have improved standards, this changes little for the people of Bhopal, many of whom have not been compensated for deaths in the family or sickness.
In 2001, 16 years after the tragedy, Dow Chemicals acquired the Union Carbide Corporation. Dow Chemicals claims to have conducted an evaluation to ensure there was no outstanding liability in relation to Bhopal. In 1989, a settlement agreement was reached between Union Carbide, Union Carbide India Limited, and the Indian government through which Union Carbide paid $470 million in compensation, covering claims related to the incident.
Because of the scale of the Bhopal disaster and the on-going human consequences, it is difficult to find objective sources of information regarding the site. According to court documents in the on-going legal battle between survivors and Dow/Union Carbide, no groundwater contamination has been found outside of the plant. Greenpeace and other NGOs, however, claim that pesticides and other toxic chemicals remain stockpiled in the abandoned factory and are contaminating the land and water in the area.
Bhopal survivors have formed a number of organizations that are still fighting for justice, particularly in the form of criminal prosecution of the corporate former leaders of Union Carbide and the right to a dignified, disease free life. The Sambhavna Trust is one such organization. The Sambhavna clinic carries out a range of interlinked activities: medical care, community health work, research monitoring, documentation, seminars and training.
