People Web International

By PWI Reporter Central India

INDIA - The case to compensate the Bhopal Gas disaster victims had been decided, but after twenty six years, claims are still being settled. The compensation arrived at was 1 million rupees for those killed, half a million rupees for those crippled and one third million rupees for those who had developed partial disability. The paltry sum meted out to the victims has provided little relief.

In December 1984, a large number of people died after a poisonous gas leaked out from the Union Carbide factory. Meanwhile the Government has sought the extradition of the former Union Carbide Chief, Mr Warren Anderson from the US. The Indian Government plans to make do the shortfall, on additional claims over and above the four hundred seventy million dollar settlement between the Union Carbide and Union Government deal in 1989. Protests took place in  Madhya Pradesh, during the visit of US President, Mr Barack Obama’s visit to India.

Though the permanent effects of the disaster are not estimable, there are over 4000 people still visiting health facilities, after so many years, for gas related ailments. This is truly a case of justice delayed, which is justice denied.

Contact: central.india@peoplewebinternational.com