The Hiroshima of the Chemical Industry is Still Claiming Victims – Babies Born 25 Years Later with Serious Birth Defects

Introduction

From Billy Briggs in Bhopal

UNABLE TO steer safely in the mud, the driver of our rickshaw pulls into the side of the road to allow us to take shelter from torrential rain. There, under a shop's awning, a small crowd of people is standing together waiting for the weather to break. They include Sapna Sharma and her brother-in-law, Sanjay. Sanjay is holding his 18-month-old nephew, Anshul, who has kohl-rimmed eyes and silver bracelets on his ankles. As we stand talking, some of the people start pointing to the child's hands and feet while speaking animatedly to us in Hindi. Through our translator, Sapna then explains that her son was born with 12 toes and 12 fingers.

The Legacy of Bhopal Gas Disaster

This is the horrendous legacy the city of Bhopal is facing 25 years on from one of the world's worst industrial accidents. The Bhopal gas disaster, as it became known, occurred shortly after midnight on December 3, 1984, when a cloud of poisonous gas escaped from a Union Carbide pesticide plant in the city. It has been dubbed the "Hiroshima of the chemical industry". The accidental release of 42 tonnes of methyl isocyanate (MIC) from the factory exposed more than 500,000 people to toxic gases and up to 10,000 inhabitants are thought to have died within the first 72 hours after the leak.

The Plight of Bhopal’s Children

Here, in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh in India, hundreds of children are being born with deformities and mental health problems. The escalating number of birth defects includes cleft palates, webbed feet and hands, twisted limbs, brain damage, and heart problems. Shankar Nagar, a slum area of the city, is home to many families who were decimated by the gas in 1984. These families, trapped in poverty, have no option but to continue drinking contaminated water.

Dangerous Environment and Abandoned Factory Site

The abandoned factory site is now a wasteland, contaminated with chemicals, located next to Shankar Nagar. The buildings and structure have been left to deteriorate, and piles of dangerous chemicals are lying in the open air. Union Carbide, now owned by US multinational Dow Chemicals, has been ignoring the pleas of local campaigners to clean up the abandoned pesticide plant. Drums of toxic chemicals remain locked in one of the sheds under police guard. Analysis of water samples drawn from wells serving the local community has confirmed the contamination of groundwater reserves with chemicals.

Inaction and Continued Suffering

The Indian government has failed to pressure Union Carbide to take responsibility for the disaster. Despite a 2004 report by Amnesty International condemning the ongoing toxic contamination, no action has been taken. Thousands more people suffer from gas-related illnesses in Bhopal today, including respiratory and psychiatric problems, joint pains, menstrual irregularities, tuberculosis, and cancers. The lack of clean water and continued exposure to toxic substances contribute to the never-ending suffering of the local population.

Continued Efforts for Justice

Twenty-five years on, the campaign for justice continues in Bhopal. The US Congress called on Dow Chemicals to clean up the abandoned factory site and meet the demands of the survivors for medical and economic rehabilitation. The politicians also urged the company to participate in court proceedings in India. However, Dow Chemicals insists that all liabilities were settled in 1989 when Union Carbide paid the Indian government. The struggle for justice and environmental recovery in Bhopal remains unresolved.

Hotels in Bhopal

Bhopal, as the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, offers a range of hotels catering to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular hotels in Bhopal include:

1. Jehan Numa Palace Hotel

This luxury hotel is located in a heritage property, offering elegant rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options.

2. Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal

Located in the heart of the city, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center.

3. Hotel Lakeview Ashok

Situated near the famous Upper Lake, this budget-friendly hotel provides basic amenities and a scenic view.

4. Hotel Amer Palace

Conveniently located near the railway station, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine.

5. Hotel Sonali Regency

Another budget-friendly option, this hotel is known for its friendly staff and simple yet clean rooms.

These are just a few examples of the hotels available in Bhopal. Visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodation options to suit their preferences and budget.