Bhopal survivors win concessions in India

On march 19, the Madhya Pradesh government agreed to meet some of the demands of the survivors of the 1984 chemical explosion and deadly gas leaks at the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, which killed thousands of people and left tens of thousands with severe health problems. After hunger strikes by survivors and an international solidarity campaign, the government agreed to provide clean water, medical care and rehabilitation to victims, as well as to release information about the water and soil contamination around the abandoned factory site and to construct a wall to contain it. Pragya, a Bhopal activist, said following the decision, "Thanks to all who sent their prayers and faxes and other good vibes. Bhopal remains not only ground zero of the chemical industry's global wounding, but also ground zero for the fight for people's basic human rights to live in a poison-free environment, to drink water that is free of toxic chemicals, and receive basic medical care for their injuries." If the government fails to implement its promises, protests will take place in India and around the world during April and May. For more information visit <http://bhopal.net>.

From GLW issue 704