BHOPAL XXV *

Contamination of water: still how much victims ?

A very recent report [1] proves that tens of thousands [2] people continue to be contaminated by the toxic chemicals resulting directly or indirectly from the catastrophe of Union Carbide, still 25 years afterwards. This report shows well that these chemicals and heavy metals are present in the grounds, plants and animals, and even in the mother's milk of the mothers nursing their children.
Conclusions of this report completely counteracts the recent statements, made by 'Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister' Babulal Gaur, who said: "The plant is being opened [3] to help people get rid of the apprehension and misconception that the chemical wastes lying in the factory are still harmful and are polluting the ground water of nearby localities".

Image: © Stéphane Bouillet

[1] Report published on decembre 1, 2009
[2] Approximately 30.000 people drink and wash themselves with contaminated water, every day
[3] The Indian authorities wanted to open the site for the 25 years of the catastrophe. What will not be done (click for more informations).

Champa Devi

Women raising the sign of Chingari Trust. Champa and Rashida Bee are survivors of gas but they still have after-effects. They were the pioneers in the fight for justice in Bhopal by creating, since 1987, two trade unions of women survivors: the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udyog Sangathan (BGPMUS), and the Bhopal Gas PeeditMmahila Stationery Karmachari Sangh (BGPMSKS).

Image: © Micha Patault

Champa : "We don't want Warren Anderson put to death. We want to see him put in a dark cell somewhere, in prison. We want him to feel what we felt, when we were separated from our children, when our husbands died, when we couldn't see our families any more."
Rashida Bee: "Why, we asked them*, are you following a double standard** ? A human life is worth the same, whether they live in America or in the jungles of India. A human life should be worth the same."

You can help these childs with donations.

* Meet with the director of the headquarters of Dow Chemical
** About a case in which Dow acquired an asbestos factory that Union Carbide had owned, and in that instance, Dow was accepting U.C.'s pending liabilities, because America is a powerful country, but India is a poor country, and that's why Dow doesn't accept responsibility.", specifies Rashida Bee.

Davab, 8 years old

Davab suffers from locomotor incoordination and problems of transmission of the nerve impulses. He is treated at Chingari Trust, with helps of electric stimulator, kinesitherapy…

Image: © Kostas Pliakos

One of the objectives of Chingari Trust is to keep reminding the government and the companies involved of important long-pending issues, need for proper medical treatment for children born to this day with congenital disorders, and need to provide children with the opportunity to lead dignified and self-reliant lives.
The center is committed to make available the best possible medical care, treatment and community based rehabilitation for these children. Chingari envisions a society which is sensitive to disabled people. It also believes that through its health care work amongst the children affected, it can raise awareness in society about the deadly impact of toxic chemical industry.

You can help these childs with donations.