downtoearth-subscribe

Clouds of injustice: Bhopal disaster 20 years on

More than 7,000 people died within a matter of days when toxic gases leaked from a chemical plant in Bhopal, India in December 1984. Since then, exposure to the toxins has resulted in the deaths of a further 15,000 people as well as chronic and debilitating illnesses for thousands of others. The plant site has not been cleaned up so toxic wastes continue to pollute the environment and groundwater. Despite determined efforts by survivors to secure justice, they have been denied adequate compensation and appropriate and timely medical assistance and rehabilitation. Astonishingly, no one has been held responsible for the leak and its devastating consequences. Clouds of injustice: Bhopal disaster 20 years on looks back over the two decades since the tragedy through a human rights lens, pointing out the responsibilities of Union Carbide Corporation and the Indian government.

Related Content