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Today is the Twenty-Fifth anniversary of the worst Industrial Catastrophe in the world which took place in Bhopal, India. On December 3rd, 1984, a toxic gas named methyl isocyanate (MIC) escaped from a pesticide-manufacturing plant operated by the US-based Union Carbide Corporation. Eight thousand of the over 20,000 people who were killed, died instantly while 100,000 more continue to suffer from chronic illnesses and birth defects. Determined to bring justice to the victims of Union Carbide, activists across the globe are commemorating the 25th Anniversary Day of Action today. As we mark this anniversary, a recent report by the Bhopal Medical Appeal shows that high levels of toxic chemicals are still found in Bhopal’s drinking water. Due to still present contamination in surrounding areas and groundwater supplies, tens of thousands of residents continue to suffer ill-health effects as a result of the Bhopal disaster including those who were born after the incident took place. Earlier this year, a delegation of survivors toured major U.S. cities to raise awareness and meet members of Congress to call for a hearing on the accident. They specifically urged lawmakers to apply pressure on Dow Chemicals which now owns Union Carbide. Seeking to hold the corporation accountable for the disaster, the touring survivors told us about their demands that Dow Chemicals clean the contaminated areas, provide significant economic assistance to affected residents, and stand trial before a court in Bhopal as the owners of Union Carbide.

GUESTS: Sarita Malvia, a 16 year old second generation survivor of Bhopal, Rachna Dhingra, member of the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal

For more information, visit www.icjb.net.