Survivors of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Demand Justice for Health Impact on Future Generations

In a press conference held today, five prominent organizations representing survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy voiced their concerns over the recently published scientific study on the long-term health impact of the disaster on children who were in the womb during the deadly incident. The study, published earlier this month in an international scientific journal, highlighted the devastating consequences endured by the affected generation.

Nousheen Khan, a representative of Children Against Dow Carbide, shared the study’s findings, stating, “The research indicates that individuals who were in their mothers’ wombs during the Bhopal disaster are now facing an alarming 8-fold increase in cancer rates, higher disability rates hindering employment, and lower levels of education.” The study also revealed that the effects of the tragedy extended beyond the immediate vicinity of the factory, with people residing up to 100 kilometers away experiencing adverse health effects.

Rashida Bee, President of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, expressed gratitude to the researchers who have validated their claims regarding the magnitude and long-term consequences of the disaster. She firmly demanded that Union Carbide and Dow Chemical assume responsibility for compensating the health damage incurred by the survivors’ offspring.

Rachna Dhingra from the Bhopal Group for Information & Action emphasized the role of the Indian government, stating, “This scientific publication should serve as a wake-up call for both state and central governments. The research findings are based on data published by government agencies, and we expect them to take legal action to ensure that Union Carbide pays for the damages inflicted on the next generation. Failure to do so would be a betrayal of their promise to protect the interests of the victims.”

Balkrishna Namdeo of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Nirashrit Pensionbhogee Sangharsh Morcha called for an immediate review of the decision to abandon all medical research on Union Carbide’s victims. Namdeo also demanded that the government provide reparations for the economic and social hardships faced by the survivors’ progeny due to the lack of adequate rehabilitation, as highlighted in the study.

Shahzadi Bee of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha vowed to continue the struggle for justice, stating, “For nearly four decades, we have fought for justice, and we will ensure that the findings regarding the damage inflicted on the unborn are widely known. We demand that our concerns be heard by relevant national and international agencies.”

The survivors’ organizations collectively called for accountability and urged the government to take immediate action to address the long-lasting repercussions of the Bhopal gas tragedy. As they strive for justice, they remain resolute in their mission to raise awareness and secure support for their demands from concerned stakeholders.