No help for helping hands of Bhopal gas tragedy
On the night of December 3, 1984, three uniformed men stood tall to ensure that the maximum people could be saved from the world's worst industrial disaster. The poisonous methyl isocyanate gas left them with nausea, suffocation and red, watering eyes. But they had not a thought to spare for themselves - or their families back home. All three survived - but their health complications continue. And to add insult to injury, none of them were given any compensation, let alone recognition.
Rallies held, compensation demanded for victims
As the city observed the 28th anniversary of the Bhopal gas disaster today Monday Dec 3,2012, various organisations working for the cause of the people affected by it held rallies while criticising the government for not doing anything for the victims.
Even after 28 years the disaster, no one has been punished for it and the victims given only inadequate compensation, Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udyog Sanghthan convenor Abdul Jabbar said.
Criticising both the central and the Madhya Pradesh governments, Jabbar alleged that it appeared that instead of helping the gas victims the two governments were trying to protect multi-national companies.
"It is because of this attitude that the then Chief Executive Officer of the Union Carbide, Warren Anderson, has not been brought to India so far to face trial here," he said.
Bhopal Disaster also known as Bhopal gas tragedy occurred on the night of December 2–3, 1984 at the Union Carbide India Ltd (UCIL) Pesticide Plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh refer to the leak of Methyl Isocynate Gas and Other Chemicals from the plant which resulted in the exposure of hundreds of thousands of people.
Death and Injury Details
Estimates vary on the death toll. The official immediate death toll was 2,259 and the government of Madhya Pradesh has confirmed a total of 3,787 deaths related to the gas release. Others estimate 3,000 died within weeks and another 8,000 have since died from gas-related diseases. A government affidavit in 2006 stated the leak caused 558,125 injuries including 38,478 temporary partial and approximately 3,900 severely and permanently disabling injuries.The disaster left an estimated 40,000 individuals permanently disabled, maimed, or suffering from serious illness.
Ownership of the Company UCIL
UCIL was the Indian subsidiary of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), with Indian Government controlled banks and the Indian public holding a 49.1 percent stake.
In 1994, the SC allowed UCC to sell its 50.9 percent share. Union Carbide sold UCIL, the Bhopal plant operator, to Eveready Industries India Ltd in 1994. The Bhopal plant was later sold to McLeod Russel (India) Ltd. Dow Chemical Company purchased UCC in 2001 and UCC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical company,MNC HQ in Michigan,USA.
Gas Leakage
During the nights of 2–3 December, a large amount of water is claimed to have entered tank 610. A runaway reaction started, which was accelerated by contaminants, high temperatures and other factors. The reaction generated a major increase in the temperature inside the tank to over 200 °C (400 °F). This forced the emergency venting of pressure from the MIC holding tank, releasing a large volume of toxic gases.
Court Cases
Civil and criminal cases are pending in the United States District Court, Manhattan and the District Court of Bhopal, India, involving UCC, UCIL employees, and Warren Anderson, UCC CEO at the time of the disaster.
In June 2010, 7 ex-employees, including Warren Anderson, the former UCIL chairman, were convicted in Bhopal of causing death by negligence and sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of about $2,000 each, the maximum punishment allowed by law. An 8th former employee was also convicted, but died before judgment was passed.
Compensation
The GOI passed the ''Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act'' that gave the government rights to represent all victims in or outside India.
UCC offered US $350 million, the insurance sum.The GOI claimed US$ 3.3 billion from UCC.
In 1989, a settlement was reached under which UCC agreed to pay US$470 million (the insurance sum, plus interest) in a full and final settlement of its civil and criminal liability.
No comments:
Post a Comment