- Survivor groups accuse govt of neglect; candlelight vigils held across city
Bhopal: On Tuesday, Bhopal observed a solemn evening of remembrance as thousands participated in candlelight vigils held on the eve of the 41st anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. Participants lit candles, carried placards, and paid tribute to the thousands who lost their lives and the countless survivors who continue to suffer long-term health impacts.
Four organisations representing gas survivors accused the government of denying justice and prolonging their suffering even after four decades. A rally was organised by the Sambhavna Trust Clinic, which supports survivors of Union Carbide’s toxic leak. The rally began at the Chola Ganesh Temple and concluded at the Gas Mata statue, where tributes were offered.
The Bhopal Gas Victims Women’s Industry Association also led a torch-and-candle vigil from Shahjahani Park. Coordinator Shawar Khan said, “Even after 40 years, victims continue to bear the consequences of the tragedy.”
= Survivors betrayed: Rashida Bee
Leaders of survivor groups reiterated their demand for adequate compensation, long-term healthcare, and environmental cleanup. Rashida Bee, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, alleged that both the Centre and the state government had “betrayed survivors.”
Gas organizations including Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogi Sangharsh Morcha and others organized a protest and torched an effigy.
Sambhavna Trust organized a poster exhibition at the Boat Club, detailing the treatment methods provided to gas victims over the past 29 years.
= All religion prayer meeting today
Meanwhile, the government will hold an all-faith prayer meeting on Wednesday at Barkatullah Bhawan at 10:30 a.m. Gas Relief Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah and religious leaders will offer prayers and recitations in memory of those who perished in the 1984 disaster.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims honored at BMHRC
= Candlelight ceremony marks anniversary
Bhopal, Staff at the Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) paid a moving tribute today to those who lost their lives in the devastating Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
A candlelight ceremony was held at the hospital, where BMHRC’s In-Charge Medical Superintendent, Dr. Anurag Yadav, and employees gathered to solemnly remember the victims. The brief but heartfelt commemoration marked the beginning of the annual remembrance period. Further tributes are scheduled to be paid tomorrow morning at the Institute’s Shradhanjali Evam Asha Smarak (Tribute and Hope Memorial), reaffirming the commitment to memory and healing.
