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Title: Regarding 25th anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
DR. ANUP KUMAR SAHA (BARDHMAN EAST): Sir, I would like to draw the attention of this august House to one of the worst industrial disasters in our country that occurred 25 years ago on the night of December, 02, 1984 in Bhopal, internationally known as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy which killed about 3,000 people and left over 5 lakh people as victims, still awaiting rehabilitation. The darkness in the lives of these victims continues even today.
This industrial disaster that was caused due to leakage of Methyl Iso-cynate (MIC) – the deadliest chemical – not only killed three thousand people but an estimated 20,000 people died from complications due to inhaling the dangerous gas and other chemicals in that night of terror. It is a matter of sorrow and also of anger that because of the compromising attitude of the Government at that time against the killer multinational US company, the case against Union Carbide was hastily settled by Indian Government for a pittance as low as just 470 million dollar. The desperate struggle of the survivors for payment of settlement and for medical treatment remained unfulfilled. The victims of the world’s biggest ever industrial disaster have received only about one-fifth of the compensation provided to them under 1989 agreement. The factory continued to poison the water sources in the surroundings causing further damage to the health of the survivors.
Should we not listen to the voice of those victims even after 25 years?
The people of Bhopal still remember that night of horror and condemn the authorities for sheer negligence and indifference to their woes. We have even failed to bring the culprits, the Union Carbide, to book till date.
Under these circumstances, I urge upon the Government to kindly take up the matter seriously and see that adequate compensation is paid to the victims, necessary rehabilitation work is completed in a time-bound manner and the case against the Union Carbide is followed seriously and some new legislation is enacted to face such incidents in future.
Shri M.B.Rajesh has also given a notice on the same subject. He may associate with him.
Sk. Saidul Haque is also allowed to associate himself on this issue.