Remembering Bhopal: 39 Years of Unhealed Wounds
By Shailee
On the night of December 2nd – 3rd, 1984, the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal, India, unleashed a catastrophic event that would etch its name in history as one of the world’s most devastating industrial disasters. Releasing 40 tons of toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) fumes, the incident turned Bhopal into the largest peace-time gas chamber ever recorded. As we solemnly mark the 39th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, it is crucial to delve into the persisting consequences and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Almost four decades later, the aftermath of that tragic night continues to unfold. The Union Carbide site, neglected and never properly cleaned, has become a source of persistent chemical contamination. Greenpeace investigations lay bare the presence of cancerous elements and neurotoxic chemicals in the soil and groundwater, silently assaulting the health of the surrounding population. Survivors endure severe respiratory diseases, psychological trauma, cancer, and unidentifiable illnesses—a poignant reminder of the enduring impact on human lives.
Compounding the tragedy, traces of lead and mercury persist in the breast milk of nursing women, resulting in the birth of deformed babies. This toxic legacy extends beyond the initial catastrophe, ensnaring subsequent generations in a cycle of suffering and despair. The survivors’ plight serves as a stark testimony to the systemic failure in addressing the long-term consequences of industrial negligence.
Adding to the tragedy is the glaring lack of accountability and justice for the survivors. The defunct Union Carbide factory, now under the ownership of Dow Chemicals, along with the Indian Government, has failed to provide adequate compensation and support. The Bhopal disaster stands as a glaring example of corporate complicity—a willful act followed by the denial of responsibility and retribution by the capitalist upper classes. This has left ordinary working-class citizens in a state of perpetual poverty and poor health, underscoring the stark inequalities perpetuated by the nexus of corporate power and government negligence.
In an admirable attempt to keep the memory alive and advocate for justice, Teesri Duniya Theatre has staged Rahul Varma’s play, Bhopal (2005), in English, Hindi and French translations over the years. This theatrical production serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness, engage the public, and foster conversations about the far-reaching consequences of industrial disasters. It symbolizes the ongoing fight for justice, ensuring that the tragedy in Bhopal remains a living testament to the urgent need for corporate accountability and systemic change.
As we observe the 39th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, let us collectively take a moment to remember the survivors and the lives lost. The legacy of Bhopal should inspire us to raise our voices against a system that prioritizes profit over human well-being. It is incumbent upon us to demand an end to practices that lead to industrial disasters, ensuring that the lessons from Bhopal resonate across industries and borders. Only through collective awareness, activism, and advocacy can we strive for a future where corporate accountability and the protection of human life take precedence over short-term gains.
