Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal
On Tuesday, organisations representing survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy held a protest march to commemorate the 40th anniversary of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. The demonstrators called for an end to the ongoing “injustice” they have faced for decades.
The rally began at the now-defunct Union Carbide factory site, where participants carried an effigy symbolizing “corporate crime.” Protesters denounced regional, national, and international leaders, as well as relief organisations, accusing them of perpetuating the denial of justice and dignity to survivors. Men and women, holding placards, marched toward the abandoned factory chanting the slogan, “Bhopal Ka Insaaf Karo” (Justice for Bhopal).
Allegations against U.S. Corporations
Rashida Bee, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, accused successive U.S. presidents of shielding Union Carbide and its parent company, Dow Chemical, from prosecution in India. She expressed hope that U.S. President-designate Donald Trump would address the decades-long injustice. “We hope Trump will take action against Union Carbide Corporation and Dow Chemical to finally bring justice to Bhopal,” she said.
Health Crisis Continues for Survivors
Balkrishna Namdeo of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogee Sangharsh Morcha highlighted the enduring health impacts of the disaster. He stated that scientific studies continue to reveal persistent illnesses and deaths among the half-million survivors, as well as health problems in their children.
Rachna Dhingra, representing the Bhopal Group for Information and Action, criticised Dow Chemical, which now owns Union Carbide, for its expanded business operations in India under the current central government. She alleged that Dow Chemical has failed to clean up the contaminated groundwater, which has spread three kilometers into the city over the past decade.
Furthermore, Dhingra claimed that Dow Chemical has been selling Union Carbide’s properties to Indian public sector undertakings (PSUs) for the past two years, asserting that U.S. corporations are not accountable to Indian courts.
