Bhopal Gas Tragedy | Who was Responsible?
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of December 1984 is etched into the annals of history as one of the most catastrophic industrial disasters to ever occur. This grim incident unfolded within the confines of a Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, India, leaving behind a trail of devastation and despair. In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into the events leading up to this horrific tragedy, its aftermath, the lingering questions of culpability, and the enduring quest for justice.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Union Carbide Company, with a history spanning over a century, is a name that resonates with most of us, even if we don't immediately recognize it. Known for its products such as Eveready batteries, Bakelite, and even rocket fuel, the company boasted a global presence with a network of factories that produced an array of chemicals and materials. In 1994, the company underwent a name change to Eveready Industry, but our story takes us back to the early '80s.
In 1962, Union Carbide made its foray into India, launching a poster advertisement campaign that painted a metaphorical picture of agricultural development. The ads featured laborers walking alongside their cows while a giant hand poured a chemical liquid on an unpaved road. In retrospect, this ad carries a dark undertone given the impending Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Nevertheless, the company was deemed highly successful in its ventures in India.
The Genesis of Tragedy
Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) established a factory in Bhopal in 1969 to produce a unique insecticide named Sevin. The manufacturing of Sevin necessitated a dangerous chemical – Methyl Isocyanate (MIC). MIC, a deadly and volatile compound, was imported into India to facilitate Sevin's production. The year 1980 marked a pivotal shift in the unfolding tragedy.
Union Carbide began to experience financial losses, prompting a critical decision. Rather than continuing to import MIC, the company resolved to manufacture it within India. This change was the first red flag in the tragedy's making. The manufacturing and mixing of chemicals are inherently risky processes, yet UCIL was granted government permission to proceed with this endeavor.
During this time, the company was also directed to formulate an evacuation plan to address the potential dangers of a gas leak. It was a known fact that hazardous chemicals were being produced at the factory. However, no such plan was ever developed. In 1981, a worker met a tragic end due to accidental MIC exposure. Despite this fatality, the plant continued to operate under the same unsafe conditions.
A Web of Neglect
Multiple factors contributed to the disaster that unfolded in Bhopal. The need to reduce Sevin's production costs led Union Carbide to cut corners. This cost-cutting mentality extended to a reduction in the workforce, hiring underqualified personnel, and neglecting safety precautions. Damaged pipes were repaired unsafely rather than replaced, and minor leaks became a recurring issue.
Alarming as it may sound, despite the production of a highly dangerous chemical, neither the residents of Bhopal nor the factory workers were informed about the potential hazards they faced. Safety concerns were brushed aside, even as leaks persisted.
The Unheeded Warnings
The first signs of impending disaster did not go unnoticed. Trade unions in the area began protesting against the dangerous working conditions. However, union leaders who raised their voices were swiftly removed from their positions, and their concerns went unaddressed.
Amid the ominous signs, one man stood resolute in his determination to uncover the truth. A factory worker, Mohammed Ashraf, had expressed concerns to his friend, Rajkumar Keswani, a journalist, regarding the factory's erratic operations. Rajkumar took it upon himself to investigate these concerns thoroughly. He delved into confidential reports, gaining insights into the factory's perilous safety standards.
A Dire Premonition
The catalyst for Rajkumar's investigation came from an unexpected source. He read that Phosgene was used at the factory, a chemical with sinister connotations due to its use in gas chambers during World War II. This revelation elevated his concerns to a new level. Rajkumar penned a report titled "Bachaiye Huzoor, Is Shahar Ko Bachaiye!" (Save This City), outlining the factory's potential for disaster.
Rajkumar's report highlighted the proximity of the factory to the homes of around 20% of Bhopal's population. He sounded the alarm, drawing attention to the imminent danger posed by the factory's operations. Sadly, the government, the company, and even Rajkumar's friends dismissed his warnings as baseless.
An Unfolding Catastrophe
Despite the extensive warning signs, the night of December 2, 1984, began like any other for Bhopal's residents. The factory's proximity to the surrounding hills meant that the cold December night was more frigid than most. At 9 p.m., a shift change at the Union Carbide factory marked the beginning of routine tasks.
As the new workers commenced their duties, they initiated the process of cleaning the pipes connected to the MIC tanks by introducing water. It was during this seemingly innocuous task that they encountered a perplexing issue: the water did not emerge from the other end of the pipes. Concerned, they began cleaning the filters, believing a blockage to be the source of the problem.
The clock neared 10 PM, and water had started to seep into Tank E610, which contained a significant quantity of MIC. Unbeknownst to the workers, MIC and water trigger a dangerous chemical reaction. A noxious gas cloud began to form, and the situation escalated rapidly. The workers' lack of scientific knowledge prevented them from comprehending the gravity of the situation.
A Chain Reaction of Neglect
An hour later, the incoming shift workers began to experience discomfort and burning sensations in their eyes. Although the pressure in the tanks had risen beyond normal levels, the workers initially believed it to be a manageable situation. However, the noxious fumes and deteriorating conditions soon convinced them otherwise.
Around 11:45 PM, workers initiated a search for the source of the leak, with one of them, Suman Dey, discovering liquid dripping from a point. The sequence of events that followed remains a subject of debate. Some believe that the team of workers disregarded the leak during their tea break, while others suggest that panic had set in earlier. Irrespective of the precise timeline, it is certain that by 12:30 AM, the workers comprehended the enormity of the disaster.
At this point, the pressure readings in the tanks had surged dangerously, causing the concrete above Tank E610 to fracture. Suman Dey raced to the control room to activate the alarm. Simultaneously, efforts were made to turn off the water that had been introduced into the pipes earlier. Unfortunately, it was a case of too little, too late.
A City in Chaos
The ensuing hours were characterized by chaos and confusion. Gases, usually removed from the tanks through the vent gas scrubber and incinerated, now passed through the same scrubber, contributing to the release of poisonous gases into the atmosphere. Desperate attempts to spray water on the escaping gas proved futile due to its inaccessible location.
By 1 AM, the city of Bhopal was gripped by terror. The gas had permeated most parts of the city, including the railway station. Residents experienced severe coughing, and many opened doors and windows in an attempt to mitigate the effects, unwittingly inviting more gas into their homes. The majority of those affected lived in the slums surrounding the factory.
Some recalled how a whitish gas cloud had infiltrated their homes through gaps in the windows, while others likened the odor to burning chilies. Tragically, some were killed in their sleep, while others succumbed after a protracted struggle with coughing and a desperate attempt to escape.
Those who fell ill were transported to nearby hospitals, but doctors remained clueless about the appropriate treatment, as the exact composition of the leaking gases was unknown. Some patients were administered oxygen, not realizing that an excessive oxygen supply exacerbated their condition, leading to further casualties.
By the next morning, thousands had perished, and the city of Bhopal was scarred by death and devastation. This industrial disaster earned the ignominious title of being the worst in India's history.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Quest for Justice
The news of the disaster sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Union Carbide swiftly dispatched a technical team to India, initiating "Operation Faith" to neutralize the remaining MIC. The company, under the leadership of Warren Anderson, took responsibility and offered financial relief, donating millions to the Indian Government, the Red Cross, and various relief organizations. Anderson himself was arrested shortly after.
Behind the scenes, however, Union Carbide's legal team diligently worked to mitigate the company's liability. In 1985, a legislative act empowered the Indian government to represent the people of Bhopal in legal proceedings. This marked the beginning of an arduous legal battle that continues to this day.
In 1989, Union Carbide agreed to pay a compensation of $470 million to the Indian Government, approximately ₹8 billion at the time. However, the victims of the tragedy were not satisfied with this resolution. Protests erupted, and the case was reopened as a criminal matter in the Supreme Court. Warren Anderson and Indian workers present at the factory that night were accused, but the legal proceedings dragged on.
The Elusive Pursuit of Justice
Over the years, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy case has witnessed numerous legal battles, with various charges and countercharges. Warren Anderson, who was declared a criminal, never appeared in court and eventually passed away in 2014. The criminal case against Union Carbide remains unresolved.
The victims of the disaster, who continue to endure its consequences, have filed multiple petitions for compensation, many of which remain open to this day. The legal landscape, however, is fraught with challenges, and justice remains elusive.
Legislative Responses and the Quest for Accountability
In the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Indian government realized the need for robust legislation to hold individuals and corporations accountable for industrial disasters. The first legislative response was the Environment Protection Act, aimed at ensuring that industries take measures to protect the environment.
Simultaneously, the Factories Act underwent amendments, clarifying the definition of the factory's occupier and the individual or entity responsible for its safety. Many other laws were followed, designed to support the victims of industrial disasters, regulate the storage of hazardous materials, and address other gaps in existing legislation.
Conclusion
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of December 1984 stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of corporate negligence, government apathy, and the price paid by innocent lives. Despite legal battles, compensation packages, and legislative amendments, the victims and their quest for justice remain unresolved.
As the Bhopal Gas Tragedy continues to haunt the collective memory of the nation, it serves as a solemn testament to the need for vigilance, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of justice. In the shadow of this tragedy, the quest for justice endures, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing safety, upholding corporate responsibility, and delivering closure to those who have suffered immeasurable loss.