Must see TV tonight - Bhopal
Discussion
BBC 1 tonight.
This is a terrible story that will make you sad and angry.
And its all true.
20 years ago there was a problem overnight in the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal in India.
When the morning came, the city found that it was under a cloud of poisonous gas from the American-owned plant.
More than 7,000 people died within days. Their deaths were slow and painful. More than 200,000 people were seriously affected.
Even now, people die every day from illnesses related to the disaster, and thousands of children suffer.
Union Carbide have never admitted who caused the accident. The only compensation paid to victims families equated to just £320 for each person who died.
It is a shameful, awful story that will leave you stunned for words. And it is to America's shame that even now, 20 years later, people are still dying while the company that caused it is not being held accountable.
This disaster was more horrific than any 9/11.
And yet no-one has really ever paid for what happened, and continues to happen.
Watch it and be gobsmacked that such a thing is allowed to happen.
More info here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/bhopal/default.stm
And here:
www.bhopal.net/
This is a terrible story that will make you sad and angry.
And its all true.
20 years ago there was a problem overnight in the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal in India.
When the morning came, the city found that it was under a cloud of poisonous gas from the American-owned plant.
More than 7,000 people died within days. Their deaths were slow and painful. More than 200,000 people were seriously affected.
Even now, people die every day from illnesses related to the disaster, and thousands of children suffer.
Union Carbide have never admitted who caused the accident. The only compensation paid to victims families equated to just £320 for each person who died.
It is a shameful, awful story that will leave you stunned for words. And it is to America's shame that even now, 20 years later, people are still dying while the company that caused it is not being held accountable.
This disaster was more horrific than any 9/11.
And yet no-one has really ever paid for what happened, and continues to happen.
Watch it and be gobsmacked that such a thing is allowed to happen.
More info here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/bhopal/default.stm
And here:
www.bhopal.net/
Careful toppstuff, people will start accusing you of being anti-american......
It'll be interesting to see how the worms at union carbide wriggled out of that situation. It does, however, go to prove, that the media don't value a life, unless it is a western life. The faceless thousands of Bhopal who died and continue to suffer mean nothing to most, as "they are over there."
It'll be interesting to see how the worms at union carbide wriggled out of that situation. It does, however, go to prove, that the media don't value a life, unless it is a western life. The faceless thousands of Bhopal who died and continue to suffer mean nothing to most, as "they are over there."
968 said:
It does, however, go to prove, that the media don't value a life, unless it is a western life. The faceless thousands of Bhopal who died and continue to suffer mean nothing to most, as "they are over there."
Yeah. That's why there's an hour long programme about them on BBC1 I suppose.
Imelda said:
It does, however, go to prove, that the media don't value a life, unless it is a western life. The faceless thousands of Bhopal who died and continue to suffer mean nothing to most, as "they are over there."
Yeah. That's why there's an hour long programme about them on BBC1 I suppose.
yeah about 20 years later
I'm not being "anti-American" as such, but the thing that offends me is that the world is expected to be horrified about 9/11 and to do something about it, while America is not apparently horrified enough about an even worse destruction of life, at least not sufficiently horrified to do something about it....
Its a terrible double-standard in my book.
Surely the US gov should have locked up those responsible, and forced the company to pay compensation sufficient to ensure for the care and well being of the victims for as long as it takes. If it means that the company goes bust, then gov should intervene.
Just turning their back on them because they are poor, and the country has lacked political leverage, is simple racism in my book, and displays a total absence of humanity.
Its a terrible double-standard in my book.
Surely the US gov should have locked up those responsible, and forced the company to pay compensation sufficient to ensure for the care and well being of the victims for as long as it takes. If it means that the company goes bust, then gov should intervene.
Just turning their back on them because they are poor, and the country has lacked political leverage, is simple racism in my book, and displays a total absence of humanity.
968 said:
968 said:
It does, however, go to prove, that the media don't value a life, unless it is a western life. The faceless thousands of Bhopal who died and continue to suffer mean nothing to most, as "they are over there."
Yeah. That's why there's an hour long programme about them on BBC1 I suppose.
yeah about 20 years later
And its made by the BBC...
Don't think this is known at all back over in the US...
968 said:
... the media don't value a life, unless it is a western life.
All true: I work in the newspaper business, and heard from a colleague that the approximate ratio (this was for a US rag):
1 American ~ 10 Europeans/Isrealis ~ 100 Middle-East/South America ~1000 Asians
i.e. we'd expect an equivalent amount of press for 1 American dead as 1000 Asians!!
How true it is I cannot say, but at least food for thought!!
I'm not playing the race card.
Simply trying to understand why it is that the world in general gets upset when westerners die, but apparently just changes TV channels and turns a blind eye when Africans or Asians die.
Remember Rwanda, or the current war in the Sudan, or the fact that Band Aid is on AGAIN after 20 years. Literally millions of people died. But the world just forgot about it and moved on.
The average life expectancy of a man living in Zambia is 33 years old. If something happened in the Uk to make it the same way here, the whole world would take notice.
And, to get back to the programme, if 7000 people died in a day or two in an industrial accident ( which could have been avoided ) in Birmingham for example, I think it is fair to say that rather more fuss would be made than has been made about Bhopal...
Simply trying to understand why it is that the world in general gets upset when westerners die, but apparently just changes TV channels and turns a blind eye when Africans or Asians die.
Remember Rwanda, or the current war in the Sudan, or the fact that Band Aid is on AGAIN after 20 years. Literally millions of people died. But the world just forgot about it and moved on.
The average life expectancy of a man living in Zambia is 33 years old. If something happened in the Uk to make it the same way here, the whole world would take notice.
And, to get back to the programme, if 7000 people died in a day or two in an industrial accident ( which could have been avoided ) in Birmingham for example, I think it is fair to say that rather more fuss would be made than has been made about Bhopal...
toppstuff said:
I'm not being "anti-American" as such, but the thing that offends me is that the world is expected to be horrified about 9/11 and to do something about it, while America is not apparently horrified enough about an even worse destruction of life, at least not sufficiently horrified to do something about it....
Its a terrible double-standard in my book.
Surely the US gov should have locked up those responsible, and forced the company to pay compensation sufficient to ensure for the care and well being of the victims for as long as it takes. If it means that the company goes bust, then gov should intervene.
Just turning their back on them because they are poor, and the country has lacked political leverage, is simple racism in my book, and displays a total absence of humanity.
Too true - remeber going to a night club in Londo na few years back and they had a projector running different 'horror story' slides on one of the walls. Took about 20 mins for them all to go past, some of them had a lot of text on them and I seem to remember it took me about an hour and a half to actually getto read all the slides.
The Union Carbide Bohpal one was one that was particularly distressing.
It's the same old problem though - gotta protect the shareholder's interests - there is no space for humanity in Capitalist Corporations.
Makes you wonder where it will stop.
best
Ex
Here is a quick Google Search:
Chronology of Key Events Related to the Bhopal Incident
Updated October 2004
Print-Friendly Version (169KB PDF)
In order to view some information, you will need to download Adobe Reader.
Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) was established in 1934, when Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) became one of the first U.S. companies to invest in India. UCIL shares were publicly traded on the Calcutta Stock Exchange. UCIL was a diversified manufacturing company, employing approximately 9,000 people and operating 14 plants in five divisions.
The Bhopal plant was built in the late 1970s and was owned and operated by Union Carbide India, Limited (UCIL), an Indian company that was owned by Union Carbide Corporation (which held just over half the stock) and Indian financial institutions and thousands of private investors in India.
The plant produced pesticides for use in India to help the country’s agricultural sector increase its productivity and contribute more significantly to meeting the food needs of one of the world's most heavily populated regions.
1984
Dec 3 The Bhopal Gas Tragedy
Shortly after midnight, methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaks from a tank at the UCIL Bhopal plant. Approximately 3,800 people die and several thousand other individuals experience permanent and partial disabilities.
Dec 4 Immediate action
Word of the disaster is received at Union Carbide headquarters in Connecticut. Chairman and CEO Warren Anderson, along with a technical team, depart to India to assist the government in dealing with the incident. Upon arrival, Anderson is placed under house arrest and urged by the Indian government to leave the country within 24 hours.
Union Carbide organizes a team of international medical experts, as well as supplies and equipment, to work with the local Bhopal medical community.
The UCC technical team begins assessing the cause of the gas leak.
Dec 14 Warren Anderson testifies before Congress and stresses UCC commitment to safety and promising to take actions to ensure that a similar incident “cannot happen again.”
1985
Feb Interim relief
Union Carbide establishes fund for victims of the tragedy — the (UCC) Employees' Bhopal Relief Fund, which collects more than $120,000.
UCC sends more medical equipment to Bhopal.
Mar Study Launched
UCC launches disaster program to study effects of over-exposure to MIC.
Bhopal Gas Leak Act
Government of India enacts the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act that enables the Government of India to act as the legal representative of the victims in claims arising of or related to the Bhopal disaster.
Cause of the incident
UCC Technical team reports that a large volume of water was introduced in to the MIC tank and triggered a reaction that resulted in the gas release. Independently, a committee of experts for the Indian government arrives at the same conclusion.
Apr Union Carbide offers $7 million interim relief
UCC offers $5 million in relief for victims before the U.S. District Court, bringing total to date to $7 million.
Government of India rejects Union Carbide relief
Government of India rejects UCC offers of aid for Bhopal victims.
June Additional Aid
UCC funds participation of Indian medical experts in meetings to obtain information and the latest medical treatment techniques for victims.
July Additional Analysis
Core samples confirm water triggered reaction that led to gas release.
1986
Jan Union Carbide funds hospital
Union Carbide offers $10 million to the Indian government for building a hospital to aid the victims in Bhopal.
Mar Union Carbide proposes $350 million as settlement for victims and families
Union Carbide proposes a settlement amount of $350 million that will generate a fund for Bhopal victims of between $500-600 million over 20 years. Plaintiff’s US attorneys endorse amount.
May Bhopal litigation transferred to India
U.S. District Court Judge transfers all Bhopal litigation to India. Decision is appealed.
1987
Jan U.S. Court of Appeals affirms transfer of litigation to India
The court rules that UCIL is separate entity, owned, managed and operated exclusively by Indian citizens in India.
Mar Government of India closes vocational technical center
The Government of India closes and razes the Bhopal Technical and Vocational Training Center built by Arizona State University after determining that Union Carbide Corporation supplied funds for the project.
Aug Union Carbide announces humanitarian relief
Union Carbide offers an additional $4.6 million in humanitarian interim relief for immediate rehabilitation of Bhopal victims.
1988
Jan–
Dec Litigation in India
Throughout 1988, arguments and appeals before the Indian Courts took place regarding compensation for the victims. In November, the Supreme Court asks the Government and UCC to reach a settlement, telling both sides to “start with a clean slate.”
May New evidence on causation
Independent investigation by engineering and consulting firm Arthur D. Little, Inc., concluded that the gas leak could only have been caused by deliberate sabotage; someone intentionally connected a water hose to the gas storage tank, causing a massive chemical reaction.
1989
Feb Final settlement at $470 million
The Supreme Court of India directs a final settlement of all Bhopal litigation in the amount of $470 million, to be paid by March 31, 1989. Both the Government of India and Union Carbide accept the court's direction. UCC pays $420 million, UCIL pays the rupee equivalent of $50 million (including $5 million of interim relief previously paid).
Union Carbide makes full payment
Within 10 days of the order, UCC and UCIL make full payment of the $470 million to the Government of India.
May Supreme Court of India renders opinion
The Supreme Court, in a lengthy opinion, explains the rationale for the settlement and emphasizes that the compensation levels provided for in the settlement are were substantially higher than those ordinarily payable under Indian law.
Dec Government of India to act on behalf of victims
The Supreme Court upholds the validity of the “Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act, of 1985” that authorized the Government of India to act on behalf of the Bhopal gas leak victims.
1990
Jan–
Dec Supreme Court of India proceedings aim to overturn settlement
Hearings are held throughout year on activist petitions to overturn the settlement agreement.
Nov List of victims to be compensated prepared
The State Government of Madhya Pradesh submits to the Supreme Court of India the completed categorization of the claims of all of the victims. The State determines that, in addition to the victims who suffered various levels of disabilities, the incident resulted in 3,828 deaths.
Dec Supreme Court Hearings conclude
Court concludes review of petitions seeking to overturn settlement.
1991
Oct Supreme Court confirms the settlement and closes legal proceedings
The Supreme Court of India upholds the civil settlement of $470 million in its entirety and sets aside portion of settlement that quashed criminal prosecutions that were pending at the time of settlement. Court also:
Requires Government of India to purchase, out of settlement fund, a group medical insurance policy to cover 100,000 persons who may later develop symptoms;
Requires Government of India to make up any shortfall, however unlikely, in settlement fund;
Gives directions concerning the administration of settlement fund;
Dismisses all outstanding petitions seeking review of settlement; and,
Requests UCC and UCIL to voluntarily fund capital and operating costs of a hospital in Bhopal for eight years, estimated at approximately $17 million, to be built on land donated by state government.
UCC and UCIL agree to fund the hospital, as requested.
1992
Apr Union Carbide sets up Trust fund
UCC announces plans to sell its 50.9 percent interest in UCIL.
UCC establishes charitable trust to ensure its share of the funding to build a hospital in Bhopal and fund operations for up to eight years.
1993
Oct U.S. Supreme Court denies hearing on legal standing
The U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear appeal of lower court affirming that Bhopal victims lack standing to sue for damages in U.S. courts.
1994
Apr Union Carbide to sell stake in Union Carbide India Limited
Supreme Court of India allows UCC to sell all its shares in UCIL so that assets can be used to build Bhopal hospital.
Nov Union Carbide completes sale
UCC completes sale of 50.9 percent interest in UCIL to McLeod Russell (India) Ltd. of Calcutta.
Dec Union Carbide fulfills initial commitment
UCC provides initial $20 million to charitable trust for Bhopal hospital.
1995-1999
Building of the Hospital charitable trust
Hospital charitable trust begins facility construction in October 1995.
UCC provides approximately $90 million from sale of all its UCIL stock.
By 1999, trust has $100 million. Building is completed and physicians and medical staff being selected. The hospital will have facilities for the treatment of eye, lung and heart problems.
2001
Hospital opens to public
The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, funded largely by proceeds from UCC sale of all its UCIL stock, begins treating patients.
2004
July Supreme Court of India orders release of extra settlement funds to victims
Fifteen years after reaching settlement, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Government of India to release all additional settlement funds to the victims. News reports indicate that there was approximately $327 million in the fund as a result of earned interest from money remaining after all claims had been paid.
******************************************
Check the Feb. 1985 paragraph, under "Causes".
Whose lives don't seem to matter to whom?
Dave
>> Edited by just dave on Wednesday 1st December 21:56
>> Edited by just dave on Wednesday 1st December 22:09
Chronology of Key Events Related to the Bhopal Incident
Updated October 2004
Print-Friendly Version (169KB PDF)
In order to view some information, you will need to download Adobe Reader.
Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) was established in 1934, when Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) became one of the first U.S. companies to invest in India. UCIL shares were publicly traded on the Calcutta Stock Exchange. UCIL was a diversified manufacturing company, employing approximately 9,000 people and operating 14 plants in five divisions.
The Bhopal plant was built in the late 1970s and was owned and operated by Union Carbide India, Limited (UCIL), an Indian company that was owned by Union Carbide Corporation (which held just over half the stock) and Indian financial institutions and thousands of private investors in India.
The plant produced pesticides for use in India to help the country’s agricultural sector increase its productivity and contribute more significantly to meeting the food needs of one of the world's most heavily populated regions.
1984
Dec 3 The Bhopal Gas Tragedy
Shortly after midnight, methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaks from a tank at the UCIL Bhopal plant. Approximately 3,800 people die and several thousand other individuals experience permanent and partial disabilities.
Dec 4 Immediate action
Word of the disaster is received at Union Carbide headquarters in Connecticut. Chairman and CEO Warren Anderson, along with a technical team, depart to India to assist the government in dealing with the incident. Upon arrival, Anderson is placed under house arrest and urged by the Indian government to leave the country within 24 hours.
Union Carbide organizes a team of international medical experts, as well as supplies and equipment, to work with the local Bhopal medical community.
The UCC technical team begins assessing the cause of the gas leak.
Dec 14 Warren Anderson testifies before Congress and stresses UCC commitment to safety and promising to take actions to ensure that a similar incident “cannot happen again.”
1985
Feb Interim relief
Union Carbide establishes fund for victims of the tragedy — the (UCC) Employees' Bhopal Relief Fund, which collects more than $120,000.
UCC sends more medical equipment to Bhopal.
Mar Study Launched
UCC launches disaster program to study effects of over-exposure to MIC.
Bhopal Gas Leak Act
Government of India enacts the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act that enables the Government of India to act as the legal representative of the victims in claims arising of or related to the Bhopal disaster.
Cause of the incident
UCC Technical team reports that a large volume of water was introduced in to the MIC tank and triggered a reaction that resulted in the gas release. Independently, a committee of experts for the Indian government arrives at the same conclusion.
Apr Union Carbide offers $7 million interim relief
UCC offers $5 million in relief for victims before the U.S. District Court, bringing total to date to $7 million.
Government of India rejects Union Carbide relief
Government of India rejects UCC offers of aid for Bhopal victims.
June Additional Aid
UCC funds participation of Indian medical experts in meetings to obtain information and the latest medical treatment techniques for victims.
July Additional Analysis
Core samples confirm water triggered reaction that led to gas release.
1986
Jan Union Carbide funds hospital
Union Carbide offers $10 million to the Indian government for building a hospital to aid the victims in Bhopal.
Mar Union Carbide proposes $350 million as settlement for victims and families
Union Carbide proposes a settlement amount of $350 million that will generate a fund for Bhopal victims of between $500-600 million over 20 years. Plaintiff’s US attorneys endorse amount.
May Bhopal litigation transferred to India
U.S. District Court Judge transfers all Bhopal litigation to India. Decision is appealed.
1987
Jan U.S. Court of Appeals affirms transfer of litigation to India
The court rules that UCIL is separate entity, owned, managed and operated exclusively by Indian citizens in India.
Mar Government of India closes vocational technical center
The Government of India closes and razes the Bhopal Technical and Vocational Training Center built by Arizona State University after determining that Union Carbide Corporation supplied funds for the project.
Aug Union Carbide announces humanitarian relief
Union Carbide offers an additional $4.6 million in humanitarian interim relief for immediate rehabilitation of Bhopal victims.
1988
Jan–
Dec Litigation in India
Throughout 1988, arguments and appeals before the Indian Courts took place regarding compensation for the victims. In November, the Supreme Court asks the Government and UCC to reach a settlement, telling both sides to “start with a clean slate.”
May New evidence on causation
Independent investigation by engineering and consulting firm Arthur D. Little, Inc., concluded that the gas leak could only have been caused by deliberate sabotage; someone intentionally connected a water hose to the gas storage tank, causing a massive chemical reaction.
1989
Feb Final settlement at $470 million
The Supreme Court of India directs a final settlement of all Bhopal litigation in the amount of $470 million, to be paid by March 31, 1989. Both the Government of India and Union Carbide accept the court's direction. UCC pays $420 million, UCIL pays the rupee equivalent of $50 million (including $5 million of interim relief previously paid).
Union Carbide makes full payment
Within 10 days of the order, UCC and UCIL make full payment of the $470 million to the Government of India.
May Supreme Court of India renders opinion
The Supreme Court, in a lengthy opinion, explains the rationale for the settlement and emphasizes that the compensation levels provided for in the settlement are were substantially higher than those ordinarily payable under Indian law.
Dec Government of India to act on behalf of victims
The Supreme Court upholds the validity of the “Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act, of 1985” that authorized the Government of India to act on behalf of the Bhopal gas leak victims.
1990
Jan–
Dec Supreme Court of India proceedings aim to overturn settlement
Hearings are held throughout year on activist petitions to overturn the settlement agreement.
Nov List of victims to be compensated prepared
The State Government of Madhya Pradesh submits to the Supreme Court of India the completed categorization of the claims of all of the victims. The State determines that, in addition to the victims who suffered various levels of disabilities, the incident resulted in 3,828 deaths.
Dec Supreme Court Hearings conclude
Court concludes review of petitions seeking to overturn settlement.
1991
Oct Supreme Court confirms the settlement and closes legal proceedings
The Supreme Court of India upholds the civil settlement of $470 million in its entirety and sets aside portion of settlement that quashed criminal prosecutions that were pending at the time of settlement. Court also:
Requires Government of India to purchase, out of settlement fund, a group medical insurance policy to cover 100,000 persons who may later develop symptoms;
Requires Government of India to make up any shortfall, however unlikely, in settlement fund;
Gives directions concerning the administration of settlement fund;
Dismisses all outstanding petitions seeking review of settlement; and,
Requests UCC and UCIL to voluntarily fund capital and operating costs of a hospital in Bhopal for eight years, estimated at approximately $17 million, to be built on land donated by state government.
UCC and UCIL agree to fund the hospital, as requested.
1992
Apr Union Carbide sets up Trust fund
UCC announces plans to sell its 50.9 percent interest in UCIL.
UCC establishes charitable trust to ensure its share of the funding to build a hospital in Bhopal and fund operations for up to eight years.
1993
Oct U.S. Supreme Court denies hearing on legal standing
The U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear appeal of lower court affirming that Bhopal victims lack standing to sue for damages in U.S. courts.
1994
Apr Union Carbide to sell stake in Union Carbide India Limited
Supreme Court of India allows UCC to sell all its shares in UCIL so that assets can be used to build Bhopal hospital.
Nov Union Carbide completes sale
UCC completes sale of 50.9 percent interest in UCIL to McLeod Russell (India) Ltd. of Calcutta.
Dec Union Carbide fulfills initial commitment
UCC provides initial $20 million to charitable trust for Bhopal hospital.
1995-1999
Building of the Hospital charitable trust
Hospital charitable trust begins facility construction in October 1995.
UCC provides approximately $90 million from sale of all its UCIL stock.
By 1999, trust has $100 million. Building is completed and physicians and medical staff being selected. The hospital will have facilities for the treatment of eye, lung and heart problems.
2001
Hospital opens to public
The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, funded largely by proceeds from UCC sale of all its UCIL stock, begins treating patients.
2004
July Supreme Court of India orders release of extra settlement funds to victims
Fifteen years after reaching settlement, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Government of India to release all additional settlement funds to the victims. News reports indicate that there was approximately $327 million in the fund as a result of earned interest from money remaining after all claims had been paid.
******************************************
Check the Feb. 1985 paragraph, under "Causes".
Whose lives don't seem to matter to whom?
Dave
>> Edited by just dave on Wednesday 1st December 21:56
>> Edited by just dave on Wednesday 1st December 22:09
jazzybee said:
This has got to be one of the worst made programs I have ever seen....
Its the actors using english - its all wrong. Its much better in Hindi
feels a lot more natural.
Maybe, but then I wouldn't have understood a word
One of the darkest programmes I have watched in a long time. I shan't knowingly be buying any Union Carbide products from now on.
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