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       Shortly after midnight of 2nd Dec 1984 that is on 3rd Dec 1984 early morning, death seeped into the lives of Bhopal residents in the form of a white cloud. A gas leaked from the factory, affecting more than 500,000 people at Bhopal. The gas, ‘Methyl Isocyanides (MIC)’ leaked from a tank at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) Bhopal plant. Approximately 3,800 people died immediately and several thousand other individuals experienced permanent and partial disabilities. The Bhopal plant from which the gas leaked was designed and constructed by UCIL in the late 1970s. The plant produced pesticides for use in agricultural sector.

       Estimates say 7,000 people died within three days of the gas leak. Thousands have died since, many permanently maimed. Thousands of children died or were permanently disabled. Investigations in the affected areas have revealed that 70 per cent of the children born before the disaster continue to suffer from respiratory diseases and 55 per cent from affected eyesight. Doctors warn worse effects remain to be seen. Parents are likely to pass on genetic aberrations caused by inhaling the noxious fumes to their children -- through breast milk and genetically.

       After the accident, many pregnant women suffered miscarriages, while others delivered still born or malformed babies. More than half the children exposed to the gas in their mothers' wombs died. Many others were born with deformities. The genetic and psychological scars threaten to take their toll on generations to come.
 
Take a glimpse :
            The terrible incident threatens to engender a generation of 'Carbide children', who will carry forward the toxic legacy of their parents in the form of genetic disorders. Another terrifying condition is what one doctor called 'menstrual chaos' amongst women exposed to the gas. Among the problems that were reported were early menopause (some as early as age 27) and short and painful menstrual cycles. About 120,000 to 150,000 residents of Bhopal continue to be ill. Clinics report a regular stream of patients complaining of diseases of the eyes, lungs, kidneys, liver, brain, reproductive and immune systems.
        The rate of TB among people exposed to the gas is four times higher than the national average, statistics gleaned from clinics revealed.

        In April 1985,UCC offered $5 million in relief for victims before the U.S. District Court, bringing the total to $7 million including interim relief. Government of India rejected UCC offers of aid for Bhopal victims considering it to be far too inadequate. Throughout 1988, arguments and appeals before the Indian Courts take place regarding compensation for the victims. In November, the Supreme Court asks the Government of India and UCC to reach a settlement, and tells both sides to “start with a clean slate.” Ultimately, 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 accepted the court's direction. UCC paid $420 million because UCIL had already paid the rupee equivalent of $50 million (including $5 million of interim relief).

        In Nov 1990, 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.

        In Dec 1990 Court concludes review of petitions seeking to overturn settlement. 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
                                           • Requests UCC and UCIL to voluntarily fund capital and operating costs of a hospital in Bhopal for
                                             eight years, estimated at approx. $17 million, to be built on land donated by state government.
The Hospital
UCC and UCIL agree to fund the hospital, as requested.
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