Q7 of 7 Page 313

Discuss and find out how movements mobilise people from across the globe like in the above instance of a campaign to protest in the context of Bhopal gas tragedy.

The Bhopal Gas tragedy occurred in 1984. A poisonous gas out of the Union Carbide factory which was later purchased by the Dow company. Thousands of workers lost their lives, and many more are still suffering from the negative effects of this blast. This was the worst industrial disaster in the world. It has mobilized people across the globe to protest against this tragedy. The people have formed many movements and organizations taking steps to provide for the same. They have four major demands:
1. Proper treatment of the victims.
2. Adequate compensation for them based on the international standards as the company in question was an MNC.
3. Fix proper responsibility for the disaster on the management of the company.
4. Taking steps to avoid such disasters in the future.
Although they have succeeded in certain claims, they have a long way to go. Many victims are still suffering from its effect although a large amount of money has been spent on setting up more medical facilities in Bhopal. The compensation provided is not according to international standards. The government has failed to prosecute and punish the company for its negligence. The protest is quite difficult because the company is itself based in the USA. The people need to use International laws to fight against this problem. It has bought together the people across the globe for this movement. Many people have boycotted products made by this company. When the company sponsored Olympics in London, many people signed petition and organisations also pointed out this Alliance between the company and Olympic body was unethical.


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