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What happened on Dec 3, 1984?
It was the world's worst industrial disaster. Tons of deadly gases leaked from the Union Carbide plant. So far 20,000 people have died due to gas exposure, and 150,000 people are severely ill. Today, 15-20 people die every month, and birth defects are widespread among the newborn.
"Every person is moved by something in his or her life. For me it was the fact that the company I was working for was more concerned about profits than lives of the people." -- AID Jeevansaathi Rachna Dhingra and one of the leaders of the Bhopal campaign. |
Who was responsible?
Union Carbide's own documents declare that it designed the plant with "unproven" and "untested" technology and cut corners on safety and maintenance. Indian courts have held Union Carbide responsible. What’s Dow got to do with it?
According to international law, “Polluter pays”. When Dow acquired Union Carbide, it legally acquired assets as well as liabilities. Therefore, Dow is required by law to clean up.
What is Dow's response?
Dow refuses to address its liabilities in Bhopal – or even admit they exist. To date, Dow has refused to: - Clean up the continuing contamination – or even provide compensation for the affected.
- Fund appropriate medical care – or even divulge the chemical composition of the gases that leaked.
- Provide alternative livelihood opportunities.
- Stand trial before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court, where Union Carbide faces criminal charges.
Is there international support?
Yes, plenty! The International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal (ICJB) was formed with 25 participating groups like Greenpeace, AID, etc. A victory in Bhopal be a precedent for corporate responsibility worldwide.
What are the concrete outcomes of this campaign?
The Sambhavna trust has provided free medical treatment to the survivors through ayurveda, yoga and modern medicine since 1995. The campaign has won many victories, including pressuring the Indian government to act, securing additional compensation for the survivors, and getting universities to adopt resolutions against Dow for corporate crime. AID has also supported a solar lantern project and a herbal medicine project.
More information: Students for Bhopal
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