Bhopal Gas Tragedy- What a shame?

What a shame? Today, the Indian government is expected to announce broad targets for reducing carbon emissions. It is ironic that this announcement comes on the 25th anniversary of the country's worst industrial disasters. On this day in 1984, poisonous gas leaked from Union Carbide's Bhopal plant affecting over 5 lakh people. Nearly 20,000 people are believed to have died that night. The government's lack of concern to the plight of those affected can be clearly judged. All charges against Union Carbide were dropped. In return, the company paid the government Rs. 7.1 bn as compensation. Of this, Rs. 1.1 bn was to be used towards compensation of livestock. Hence, the compensation worked out to a paltry sum of approximately Rs 12,400 per person. Furthermore, till date the government seems to have done little to protect the environment in this area. Even today, ground water around the affected area contains very high levels of the chemical. The Indian government stands on the world stage today to proclaim its commitment toward protecting the environment. However, it must show commitment to its ideal by appropriate actions. Source: The 5 minute wrap up, December 3, 09