Tragic Legacy Persists: Bhopal Gas Tragedy Survivors Battle Lingering Health Woes

Three decades and counting since the catastrophic Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, survivors continue to grapple with the haunting aftermath, as highlighted by a recent report from the Sambhavna Trust. The NGO’s clinic revealed alarming statistics, underscoring the enduring health afflictions endured by those exposed to the deadly methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas that leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide plant. Shockingly, among the 6,254 individuals seeking care at the clinic since the beginning of 2022, gas-exposed individuals exhibited a diagnosis of diabetes, coronary arterial disease, neuropathies, and arthritis at rates three times higher than those without a history of exposure.

Nitesh Dubey, the clinic registration assistant at Sambhavna Trust, shed light on the grim situation, emphasizing that survivors face a doubled incidence of hypertension, acid peptic disease, asthma, cervical spondylosis, and anxiety disorder compared to those untouched by the gas tragedy. These harrowing statistics spotlight the far-reaching health implications that have plagued the lives of those who survived the initial disaster. The 39th anniversary of the tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent suffering endured by the affected individuals and their descendants, cementing the tragedy’s status as a somber chapter in the history of industrial disasters.

The UN’s sobering 2020 report continues to echo the magnitude of the Bhopal disaster, attributing 15,000 deaths to its aftermath and highlighting the enduring toxic remnants that haunt the region. The incident remains one of the world’s major industrial disasters, leaving a devastating legacy of respiratory diseases, organ damage, compromised immune systems, and a plethora of health afflictions among the survivors and their descendants. As the survivors navigate ongoing health challenges, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy stands as a poignant testament to the dire consequences of industrial negligence, a haunting reminder etched in the lives of those still grappling with its enduring impact.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright