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 Two decades of government apathy following the 1984 gas disaster has pushed Bhopal to the brink of another devastating catastrophe. More than 20,000 people in Bhopal are forced to consume water laced with mercury and other poisons from the Carbide factory even today. Medical facilities for the survivors are virtually non-existent. Toxic wastes abandoned by Union Carbide continue to poison people, and create a new generation of victims. Unemployment and desperation among the survivors are at an all-time high.
Disillusioned by the hollow promises made by successive governments, more than 70 Bhopal survivors have set out on an 800 km long arduous march on foot (padayatra) to New Delhi, with a hope to present their demands to the Prime Minister of India. March for justice and a life of dignity. Blisters, aching joints, torn shoes notwithstanding, the Bhopalis are marching on, making connections with other pollution-impacted communities on their way. AID chapters in Austin, Baltimore (JHU), Bay Area, College Park, Houston, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Portland, Princeton, San Diego and Tempe are organizing movie screenings, talks, photo-exhibitions, street-plays and other events to raise awareness about the Bhopal issue. A solidarity march supporting the Bhopalis’ demands is being held in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, on March 24th, 2006. The 6-point charter of demands of the Bhopalis
- National Commission on Bhopal: Set up a National Commission on Bhopal to address health and economic needs of the impacted community.
- Provide Safe Drinking Water: Commit full funds to provide clean water to those drinking poisoned water.
- Prosecute Union Carbide and Anderson: Set up a Special Prosecution Cell to pursue Bhopal’s outstanding fugitives.
- Make Dow Clean Up and Pay: Properly assess the contamination and require Dow to clean it up.
- Blacklist Dow and Union Carbide: Stop Government purchase of Dow products and Dow's expansion in India until Dow faces its liabilities.
- Remember Bhopal: Do not undertake any activities to memorialize the disaster without full survivor support and participation; declare the anniversary a national holiday.
“I march for my right - if I die on the way so be it. But the government should realize their responsibility.”
– Naval Singh, 55-year old, water-contamination affected
“Walk on, Bhopal Rally….Leave behind your house chores. The old have come…The young have come No one is left alone” - from a song popular with the marchers.
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Nirveek Bhattacharjee, JHU
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