In India, 40 years after the Bhopal chemical disaster, which left at least 20,000 dead, the government has begun decontamination of the site. But the conditions are contested by the population: two people attempted to set themselves on fire on Friday January 3, while demonstrations broke out against the environmental risks linked to the elimination of toxic waste from the site.
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With our correspondent in Bangalore, Como Bastin
The 1984 gas leak at a pesticide factory in Bhopal in India is considered the worst industrial disaster in history. Beyond the number of deathsthe American multinational incriminated in this tragedy only paid compensation considered derisory. And the Indian state allowed this site to poison the residents of Bhopal.
A month ago, the Bhopal High Court finally ordered the site to be cleared. Trucks started to dispose of chemical waste this week. Although this is a glimmer of hope for residents, this measure is however denounced by activists as pure communication. The quantity of waste transported is considered insignificant, and their incineration raises fears of air pollution.
“ 225 kilometers from Bhopal, where the waste must be destroyed, 500 000 people demonstrated to demand that UNITED STATES repatriate this toxic waste to avoid further contaminationsays Satinath Sarangi, who launched a clinic for the victims of this chemical tragedy. Two people even attempted to set themselves on fire, but fortunately survived. »
Despite this protest, the government is sticking to its plan, ensuring that it does not present toxic risks. The fight for health and ecological justice in Bhopal, however, is far from over.
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