New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) A group of survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy Sunday said the central government should set up a commission for effective medical care, economic rehabilitation and social support for the victims.
At a press conference ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Union Carbide gas leak disaster, a group of organisations representing the survivors also demanded that the government create a special prosecution cell for speedy trial of the accused Indian corporate officials, including former Union Carbide chairman Keshub Mahindra.
Blaming the US and the Indian governments for aiding a corporate crime, the group demanded additional compensation and cleaning of toxic contamination in Bhopal.
“Union Carbide and Dow Chemical (should) answer criminal charges and obey Bhopal court’s summons, pay additional compensation, and arrange for clean up of the toxic contamination in Bhopal,” the group said in a statement.
“The US government should acknowledge and express regret for financing the hazardously designed Union Carbide plant in Bhopal through the Exim Bank,” the statement said.
“The US government should also express regret for refusing to extradite prime accused Warren Anderson, who died while absconding from Indian courts,” it added.
The organisations called upon the government to move on the extradition of Union Carbide secretary John McDonald, and not allow Dow Chemical to make any investment in India until it accepts Union Carbide’s liabilities in Bhopal.
Some of the notable achievements of the struggle of the survivors in the last four years include completion of a project for supply of clean drinking water to 50,000 residents of communities suffering from contaminated groundwater in August this year, Dow Chemical’s withdrawal of its corporate logo from the Olympic stadium wrap in 2012, the blacklisting of Dow Agrosciences by the government in 2011, and most recently, the summoning of Dow Chemical to the Bhopal district court.
The organisations that have been working together for the last five years are holding a “festival of alternatives” till Dec 2, showcasing sustainable solutions in healthcare, energy, education, livelihood and agriculture.
A total of 46 organisations from across the country are participating in the festival.
Members and supporters of the survivors’ organisations will take part in a torchlight rally Dec 2 and a rally to the Union Carbide factory in the city Dec 3.