6th December 2024 (11 Topics)
Justice still eludes
Context
The 40th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (December 2, 1984), has brought renewed attention to the ongoing struggles faced by survivors and the lack of justice for the victims. Despite the passage of time, the tragedy continues to haunt India, with victims still fighting for compensation, environmental remediation, and proper medical treatment. The anniversary has sparked reflections on the failure of both the Indian government and Union Carbide (now owned by Dow Chemical) to take responsibility for the disaster.
Lack of Justice and Compensation
- Failure to Provide Adequate Compensation: In 1989, India settled with Union Carbide for a mere USD 470 million, significantly less than the USD 3.3 billion initially demanded. The settlement, which was made without consulting the survivors, resulted in each acknowledged victim receiving a meager Rs 12,478.
- Attempts to Increase Compensation: In 2010, the Indian government sought additional compensation through curative petitions, but these efforts were dismissed by the Supreme Court in March 2023, citing that increasing liability beyond the original settlement would be inappropriate.
- Ongoing Legal and Accountability Failures: Despite several legal attempts to hold Union Carbide accountable, the company sold off its Indian subsidiary, which was then acquired by Dow Chemical. Dow refuses to accept responsibility for the tragedy, and toxic waste at the UCIL site remains unaddressed.
Environmental Contamination and Health Impact
- Toxic Waste and Environmental Hazards: Over 300 tonnes of toxic waste remain at the site, with 1.1 million tonnes of soil contaminated, and the groundwater in Bhopal is polluted with toxic substances, continuing to pose cancer risks to residents.
- Health Issues Among Survivors: A 2023 study revealed that men over the age of 21 were most impacted by respiratory illnesses, which were the leading cause of death among victims between 1986 and 2000.
- Inadequate Healthcare and Ongoing Suffering: Victims of the gas leak continue to suffer from insufficient healthcare, with long-term physical and mental health impacts, and organizations advocating for the safe removal of toxic waste from the site remain in legal limbo, awaiting action from the government and courts.
Practice Question
Q. Critically analyze the long-term consequences of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy on its survivors, including the failure of the Indian government and Union Carbide to provide justice. How can India ensure accountability for such industrial disasters and improve the living conditions of affected communities?
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