Bhopal

2024 is the 40th anniversary of the Bhopal disaster. In Bhopal, India, the catastrophic gas leak from a Union Carbide pesticide plant in 1984 was the world’s worst industrial disaster. 

Described as “immediate and devastating”, estimates say 8,000 to 10,000 people died in the first 72 hours, another 15,000 since, and 120,000 have chronic medical conditions as a result of the leak.

This disaster was preventable. Trade unions at the factory and local community campaigners had been highlighting the safety risks for years and were met with denial and intimidation from the company.  

Shockingly, the site was never cleared of toxic waste and toxins are still in the soil, plants, animals and most crucially in the drinking water. Union Carbide denied access to information and took extraordinary measures to obstruct rehabilitation and prevent any liability.  

In 2001, Dow Chemicals absorbed Union Carbide and has shielded the company from accountability, while benefiting from its assets. The people of Bhopal still do not have justice.  

The STUC supports the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal and urges affiliation and support for this essential campaign. We encourage affiliates to support the work of Bhopal Medical Appeal.