After 34 years of the Bhopal gas tragedy, survivors still continue to demand proper rehabilitation, adequate compensation and proper medical treatment for ailments caused by the gas.
The world's worst industrial disaster had claimed over 15,000 lives after methyl isocyanate (MiC) leaked on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984 from the pesticide plant of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) in the city.
Besides, more than five lakh people were affected due to the MiC. Various organisations fighting for gas leak survivors have been seeking proper medical care, adequate compensation and cleaning of the groundwater and soil which became contaminated after the incident.
The survivors' bodies including the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha, Children Against Dow Carbide and the Bhopal Group for Information and Action (BGIA) issued a joint statement Sunday accusing the Madhya Pradesh and central governments of neglecting the victims.
Rachna Dhingra of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action said that recent scientific studies show that deaths and diseases attributable to exposure to Union Carbide's gases continue to occur in Bhopal. Yet, over 80 per cent of the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee for medical rehabilitation of victims remain to be implemented.
Further, funds meant for providing employment to survivors and their children are being diverted for building roads, drains and parks by a minister for his electoral constituency, she alleged.
While claiming that about 20,000 persons died due to the gas tragedy and its subsequent effects, convener of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udyog Sanghathan (BGPMUS) Abdul Jabbar said, "The meager amount which was disbursed as compensation in most instances was never enough to take care of their daily needs. Finding gainful employment in accordance with the reduced capacity to work, and to lead a dignified life has been a serious challenge for survivors."