Bhopal Bhopal.ogg pronunciation (help·info) (Hindi: ????? IPA: [b?o?p??l]is one of the high-tech cities in India. It is the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and the administrative headquarter of Bhopal District and Bhopal Division. Bhopal is the second largest city in Madhya Pradesh after Indore. Bhopal is known as the Lake City[1] (or City of Lakes[2]) as its landscape is dotted with a number of natural as well as manmade lakes. Historically, Bhopal was also the capital of the Bhopal state. The city attracted international attention as a consequence of the Bhopal disaster, when the Union Carbide plant (now a part of Dow Chemical Company) leaked deadly methyl isocyanate gas during the night of December 3, 1984. The plant was operated by a separate Indian subsidiary, Union Carbide India Limited. The poisonous gas killed thousands of people in the city and its neighbouring areas, and thousands of others still suffer from its effects even two decades later. Since then, Bhopal has been a center of protests and campaigns which have been joined by many people across the globe. On 11 April 2005, the Indian Space Research Organisation established a Master Control Facility in Ayodhya Nagar, to control the movements of satellites.[3] It is the second of its kind in the country (the first being at Hassan [4]). Bhopal is the first city chosen to have an All India Institute of Medical Sciences campus apart from Delhi.[5] Contents [hide] 1 History 1.1 Bhopal disaster 2 Geography 2.1 Climate 3 Economy 4 Government and Politics 5 Transport 5.1 Roads 5.2 Railways 5.3 Airport 6 Demographics 7 Culture 8 Sports 9 Education 10 See also 11 Further reading 12 References 13 External links [edit] History See also: Bhopal (state) Bhopal is said to have been founded by the Parmara King Bhoj (1000–1055), who had his capital at Dhar. The city was originally known as Bhojpal named after Bhoj and the dam ('pal') that he is said to have constructed to form the lakes surrounding Bhopal. The fortunes of Bhopal rose and fell with that of its reigning dynasty. As the Parmaras declined in power, the city was ransacked several times and finally faded away into obscurity. city of god. An Afghan soldier of the Orakzai tribe called Dost Mohammad Khan (not to be confused with the later Afghan King carrying the same name) laid out the present city at the same site following the death of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707. He brought with himself the Islamic influence on the culture and architecture of Bhopal, the ruins of which can be found at Islam Nagar. Bhopal, the second largest Muslim state in pre-independence India[6] was ruled by four Begums from 1819 to 1926. Qudisa Begum was the first female ruler of Bhopal City, who was succeeded by her only daughter Sikandari, who in turn was succeeded by her only daughter, Shahjehan. Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum was the last female ruler, and stepped down to her son. The succession of the ‘Begums’ gave the city such innovations as waterworks, railways and a postal system. Several monuments still stand in the city as reminders of this glorious period in its history. A municipality was constituted in 1907.[7] It was one of the last princely states to sign the 'Instrument of Accession' 1947. Though India achieved Independence in August 1947, the ruler of Bhopal acceded to India only on 1 May 1949. Sindhi refugees from Pakistan were accommodated in West Bhopal Cities, Bairagarh Sub-Area(Sant Hirdaram nagar), a western suburb of Bhopal. According to the States Reorganization Act of 1956, Bhopal state was integrated into the state of Madhya Pradesh, and Bhopal was declared as its capital. The population of the city rose rapidly thereafter. [edit] Bhopal disaster Main article: Bhopal disaster On December 3, 1984, a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal leaked 42 tons of toxic methyl isocyanate gas, leading to the Bhopal disaster. The official death toll of the disaster was about 5,000 initially. A more probable figure is that 18,000 died within two weeks, and it is estimated that an additional 8,000 have since died from gas related diseases.[8] Greenpeace cites a total casualty figure of 20,000 as its conservative estimate.[9] The Bhopal disaster is often cited as the world's worst industrial disaster.[8][10][11] December 3 is observed as black day. Every year all government offices in Bhopal remain closed on this day. The Union Carbide India, Limited (UCIL) plant was established in 1969 at East Bhopal City. 51% was owned by Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) and 49% by Indian authorities, although UCC was responsible for all techniques and designs. It produced the pesticide carbaryl (trade mark Sevin). Methyl isocyanate (MIC), an intermediate in carbaryl manufacture, was also used, and in 1979 a plant for producing MIC was added to the site.[8] During the night of December 3 1984, large amounts of water entered tank 610, containing 426 tonnes of methyl isocyanate. The resulting reaction generated a major increase in the temperature of liquid inside the tank to over 200 °C (400 °F). The MIC holding tank then gave off a large volume of mixed toxic gases, forcing the emergency release of pressure. The reaction was sped up by the presence of iron from corroding non-stainless steel pipelines. Massive panic resulted as people woke up in a cloud of gas that burned their lungs. Thousands died from the gas and many were trampled in the panic.[8] Theories for how the water entered the tank differ. At the time, workers were cleaning out pipes with water, and some claim that because of bad maintenance and leaking valves, it was possible for the water to leak into tank 610. UCC maintains that this was not possible, and that it was an act of sabotage by a "disgruntled worker" who introduced water directly into the tank. Much speculation arose in the aftermath as Government of India and Union Carbide Corporation did not release the results of their investigations.[8] The deciding factors that caused the outcome were:[8] The plant location (located near a densely populated west city area, instead of the other side of Bhopal City where it had been offered land) Using hazardous chemicals (MIC) instead of less dangerous ones Storing these chemicals in large tanks instead of several smaller ones Possible corroding material in pipelines Poor maintenance of the plant Failure of several safety systems (due to poor maintenance and regulations) Deficient staffing policy Negligence on the part of UCC and the governments of India and Madhya Pradesh 100 free classified ads 100 free classifieds 808 classifieds abc travel adam travel ads ads for free adult travel adventure adventure travel advertise for free advertise free advertise free classified listings advertise free classifieds advertisement advertising for 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update on mumbai upper east side new york upper west side new york vasant kunj delhi vashi vegas coupons vijay sales mumbai villa villas visit new york visit newyork voucher vouchers w hotel new york walt disney hotel reservations wardha warwick hotel new york warwick new york warwick newyork weather in delhi india weather in new delhi india weather new delhi india wedding hotel reservations westchester county new york westchester new york why mumbai wildwood hotel reservations worldwide hotel reservation worldwide hotel reservations worli mumbai www coupons com www hotelreservation www india property www indiaproperty wyndham hotel reservations yellowstone national park hotel reservations yelp new york youtube mumbai [edit] Geography Bhopal has an average elevation of 499 metres (1637 ft). Bhopal is located in the central part of India, and is just north of the upper limit of the Vindhya mountain ranges. Located on the Malwa plateau, it is higher than the north Indian plains and the land rises towards the Vindhya Range to the south. The city has uneven elevation and has small hills within its boundaries. The major hills in Bhopal comprise of Idgah hills and Shyamala hills in the northern region and Arera hills in the central region. A view of the lake during the rainy season in Bhopal The municipality covers 286 square kilometres. It has two very beautiful big lakes, collectively known as the Bhoj Wetland . These lakes are the Upper Lake (built by King Bhoj) and the Lower Lake. Locally these are known as the Bada Talab and Chota Talab respectively. The catchment area of the Upper Lake is 361 km² while that of the Lower Lake is 9.6 km². The Upper Lake drains into the Kolar River. The Van Vihar National Park is a national park situated beside the Upper Lake. The national park also has a museum in its premises. Kheoni Wild Life Sanctuary is situated 125 km from Bhopal. 52 average temperatures in °F precipitation totals in inches Bhopal has a humid-subtropical climate, with mild, dry winters, a hot summer and a humid monsoon season. Summers start in late March and go on till mid-June, the average temperature being around 30 °C (86 °F), with the peak of summer in May, when the highs regularly exceed 40 °C (104 °F). The monsoon starts in late June and ends in late September. These months see about 40 inches (1020 mm) of precipitation, frequent thunderstorms and flooding. The average temperature is around 25 °C (77 °F) and the humidity is quite high. Temperatures rise again up to late October when winter starts, which lasts up to early March. Winters in Bhopal are mild, sunny and dry, with average temperatures around 18 °C (64 °F) and little or no rain. The winter peaks in January when temperatures may drop close to freezing on some nights. Total annual rainfall is about 1146 mm (46 inches). [edit] Economy The city is divided into five major areas and about 35 sub-urbs.The Major areas include Old City and the New City. The major industries in the old city are electrical goods, cotton, chemicals and jewellery. Other industries include cotton and flour milling, cloth weaving and painting, as well as matches, sealing wax, and sporting equipment.[12] The residents here also engage in large retail businesses. Handicraft is a major product of the old city. There is a huge demand for its very famous zardozi work, which is a kind of embroidery done on bridal dresses, sherwanis, and purses. Another famous handicraft of Bhopal is 'Batua', a small string purse, usually used with Indian traditional dresses.[13] There are a large number of garages in the older city which specialise in automobile conversion. These garages produce custom-modified and tuned cars, SUVs and motorbikes. Construction of infrastructure has become huge business Being a state capital, the New City has a majority of residents working for the State and Central Government Departments. There are two major office complexes on Arera Hills named Satpura and Vindhyachal, which house a number of State Government offices and projects. Adjacent to them is the State Secretariat, Vallabh Bhavan. In their vicinity are other State and Central Government offices which include major national banks and insurance companies. Bhopal's major commercial area is Maharana Pratap Nagar, which accommodates many business houses. There are a number of hardware as well as software vendors in this part of the city. Other businesses include daily newsletter offices and press, hotels and restaurants, coaching and tuition centers and entertainment. BHEL's Bhopal Administrative Building Bhopal has a cantonment in the old city as well as military presence near Bairagarh and the airport. The cantonment houses one of the Services Selection board centers that recruits troops and officers for the armed forces. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, the largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in India, has a unit in Bhopal. It occupies a large area on the eastern side of the city and maintains a suburb named after it. A majority of the residents of the suburb are employed by the unit. Mandideep is an industrial suburb of Bhopal. It is located to the South of Bhopal on the Bhopal-Itarsi highway and houses a number of plants belonging to some of the reputed companies of India like Procter & Gamble, Fujitsu, Eicher, L&T, HEG and VA Tech Hydro. A North Western suburb of Bhopal called Bairagarh, which was earlier a camp for Sindhi refugees from Pakistan, has developed into market for textiles. Bhopal is also home to the Bhaskar Group which is a Rs. 2500 crore (Rs. 25 billion) business conglomerate with strong presence in newspapers, television, entertainment, printing, textiles, fast moving consumer goods, oils, solvents and internet services. Its head office is located in Maharana Pratap Nagar. Manjul Publishing House, located in the old city, is a major publishing house made famous by the translation of the Harry Potter series of novels into Hindi.[14] The Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. is going to develop a Software & Hardware Technology Park in Bhopal.[15] Multinational companies like Genpact,[16] Fujitsu and Taurus Microsystems are expected to open their centers in the Technology Park. Bhopal-based liquor company SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd (SDBL) has bagged the ambitious Thatipur (Gwalior) re-densification project for Rs 266 crore. SDBL-led consortium SOMPEL, in collaboration with Mumbai-based Patel Engineering Ltd, won the bid defeating 17 real estate heavyweights. "We are expecting to generate revenue of more than Rs 2,500 crore from the project, which we expect to complete one year ahead of schedule," Jagdish Arora, chairman and managing director of SDBL said. SDBL will develop a total area is 74.25 acres (300,500 m2). "We will develop two big malls, one retail mall, one theme mall with two hotels — one star hotel and one budget hotel — with commercial space of 4 lakh sq ft. Also, we have to construct 1,000 residential units, high school and other government offices in an area of 23.88 acres," Arora said. The total floor area will be 56 lakh sq ft with 41 lakh sq ft for residential and 15 lakh sq ft for commercial purpose. The land will be available on lease for 99 years without payment of lease rentals. The State government had roped in India Infrastructure Initiative facility (III) of IDFC and Feedback Ventures as project advisor for selection of the developer for the project. III had successfully completed the bidding of ‘Central Business District' project in the prime business locality of New Market in Bhopal [edit] Government and Politics Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It houses the State Legislative Assembly, or the Vidhan Sabha, which seats 230 members of Legislative Assembly. The twelfth (and current) Vidhan Sabha was elected in May, 2008.[17] Currently, the party in the majority in Vidhan Sabha is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is led by Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Bhopal district elects four seats to the Assembly. The administration of Bhopal city is handled by Bhopal Municipal Corporation, also known as BMC. The total area under BMC is 285 km². The city is divided into 166 wards. Each ward elects a corporator. The winning party elects a council of members, who are responsible for various departments. The council members chose the Mayor among themselves. At present, there are ten members in the council. The Commissioner of Bhopal is the highest officer of Municipal Corporate Office, which is responsible for the departments of public works, revenue and tax, water supply, planning and development, fire brigade, health and sanitation, finance & accounts etc. The Commissioner of Bhopal currently is nikunj shrivastava.[18] [edit] Transport [edit] Roads The Bhopal City is very well connected via Railway, Road and Air Transport Services. BHOPAL has for a long time been a Rail and Road Transportation Hub. To stay in BHOPAL, there are a lot of hotels near the railway station and main bus station & all over the city, Bhopal has its own low floor, disabled people friendly city bus services (BCLL) which is always under GPS navigation, for faster and comfortable journey one can have Radio Taxi. Within Bhopal, city buses — known as "mini buses" from their size — are the most common means of transport. Recently, "Starbuses" have been running on the roads. These are larger and charge nominally more than their smaller counterparts. Autorickshaws are another major means of transport. They are particularly known for their ornate make-up and blaring sound systems. In some routes in the older city and the new city as well, the new Tata Magics are running successfully which have replaced the old bigger diesel rickshaws - known as 'bhat', the shortened name for vikram. Bhopal City is one of the 7th cities which are going to have "Bus Rapid Transit System". This system was projected to become functional in year 2009. 1. Ahmedabad - 568 km 2. Amritsar - 1191 km 3. Bellary - 1206 km 4. Bhubaneshwar - 1192 km 5. Calcutta - 1356 km 6. Chennai - 1435 km 7. Coimbatore - 1741 km 8. Cuttack - 1167 9. New Delhi - 744 km 10. Hubli - 1198 km 11. Hyderabad - 839 km 12. Indore - 190 km 13. Jabalpur - 300 km 14. Jaipur - 584 15. Jammu - 1327 16. Lucknow - 678 km 17. Srinagar - 1620 18. Thane - 736 19. Tirupati - 1431 20. Vishakhapatnam - 1312 km Apart from the long distance services, there are many services to nearby places withn the state. The bus services are operated from 7 Major bus stands in the city. ISBT Terminal, Bhopal Naadra Bus Stand, Old City, Bhopal Jawahar Chowk Stand, Bhopal Halalpura Bus Stand, Bhopal Bharat Talkies Stand, Bhopal Jnyaneshwari Bus Stand, South Bhopal Piplani Bus Stand,East Bhopal National Highway 12 passes through Bhopal which connects it to Jabalpur in the East and Jaipur in the West. National Highway 86 connects Bhopal to Sagar in the East to Indore in the West. There are number of daily buses to Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Sanchi, Pachmarhi, Vidisha and as well to Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Kota, Nagpur, Jaipur, Agra, Allahabad etc. An interstate bus terminus is near the Habibganj station.[19] There are also a number of Metro Buses running in the city. [edit] Railways Bhopal is a major railway station and junction. It is connected by rail to all parts of the country being on the main North-South line of the country. A list of all major trains passing through Bhopal can be found here. More than 150 daily trains are stopped here. It is also close to the main East-West junction, Itarsi. Bhopal has other stations, namely : Bhopal Habibganj is the other major station of Bhopal which boasts of being the first ISO 9000:2001 certified station in India. Habibganj also a World Class Railway Station Misrod Mandideep Sukhsewanagar Bairagarh Nishatpura Till 2011, Metros will also be started.[20] Bhopal Express : Shaan - E - Bhopal, with its headquarter at Habibganj station, is also the first train in India to obtain an ISO 9001:2000 certificate.[21] [edit] Airport Bhopal has a domestic airport with good amenities that connects directly it to Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ahmedabad, Raipur, Hyderabad and many major cities of India. The Raja Bhoj International Airport is located near the satellite sub-urb Bairagarh .Flights are operated to Sharjah and Middle east.[22] There are two main ways to reach airport: (1) Via Bairagarh, (2) Via Ranchyati, the Heart of Bhopal [edit] Demographics Bhopal has a population of 1,482,718, which is divided into 781,282 men and 701,436 women, according to the census of 2001.[23] This results in a ratio of 898 women for every 1000 men. The population consists of 56% Hindus and 38% Muslims, with the rest of the population including Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and, Buddhists. The Old City of Bhopal is a predominantly Muslim area with large population that claims Pashtun descent, but New Bhopal is a demographically cosmopolitan area. The chief languages are Hindi-Urdu (Hindustani) and English, but there are a substantial number of Marathi Sindhi Marwari speakers as well. In the princely state of Bhopal, Persian was the court language until nineteenth century. The common street Hindi spoken in Bhopal is termed as Bhopali and is the subject of comedy in Bollywood movies. An example of the language is used by actor Jagdeep in the film Sholay. Population: 1.5 million Total waste generation: 6 ton/day Waste generation per capita: 0.43 kg/person per day[citation needed] [edit] Culture Traditional pottery on display in Bitten Haat Rice and Kadhai Chicken Bharat Bhavan Bhimbetka rock painting Shairis and poetry recitals are as popular in Bhopal as in movies. Bhopal is famous for its culture of parda" and Bhopali Language. Parda is a curtain, which was used to veil the women of the house from outsiders, zarda is a kind of tobacco product which is quite famous with Bhopalis, The official language of Bhopal City is Hindi,and Bhopali is spoken in West and East Bhopal City. Bhopal has an extensive culture of paan eating. Paan (Beetle leaf)is a preparation with a betel leaf topped with variety of seasonings, the most common being chuna, kattha and supari(nut). Bhopalites treat paan preparation as a science and an art, which is perfected among the streets of Bhopal, a tradition passed down generations. The paans in Bhopal are wide in variety and innovations[24] Diwali is celebrated with equal pomp and glory as Eid. People still visit each others houses and greet each other on various occasions. Gifts and sweets are exchanged and donations made to the poor. Diwali is celebrated by performing puja of the wealth goddess Lakshmi. Later in the night, firecrackers are burst in the open by young and old. Eid is special to the city as all the Hindus take time out to visit their Muslim friends and greet them and get treated with delicacies, the specialty of the day being sweet sewai. Bhopali culture is such that both Hindus and Muslims visit each other on their respective festivals to greet and exchange sweets. During Ganesh puja and Durga Puja (Navratras), idols of Ganesh and Durga are established in jhankis throughout the city. People throng to offer prayers to their deities. At the end of Navratras, on the day of Vijayadashmi, or Dusshehra, huge effigies of Ravan are burnt in different parts of the city. Some of them are organized by the local administration and stand as tall as 60 feet (18 m). Bharat Bhavan is the main cultural centre of the city and of the most important cultural centers of India. It has an art gallery, an open-air amphitheatre facing the Upper Lake, two other theatres and a tribal museum. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Humans) showcases the various hutments that tribals of across India use for shelter. Popular holiday spots near Bhopal include Bhojpur (famous for a Shiva temple and Jain shrines), Sanchi (notable for ancient Buddhist Stupas built by Ashoka), and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (a World Heritage Site of archaeological interest). Those into archeology can venture about forty kilometers from Bhopal to Bhimbetka, which has one of the largest collections of pre-historic paintings and rocks, some of which date back more than 10,000 years. Thirty kilometers from the Bhopal is a Shiva temple in Bhojpur that holds great religious value and is famous for a massive Shivalingam. Anglers can head about 10 kilometers from the city to Hathaikheda, which is a popular fishing zone. Or, you can travel fifty kilometers to the city of Sanchi, a site famous for Buddhist monuments and temples dating back several centuries. Gohar Mahal, Central Bhopal Places of Interest in Bhopal Taj-Ul Masjid Shaukat Mahal Upper And Lower Lakes Moti Masjid Sadar Manzil Gauhar Mahal Boat Club, Bhopal Lokrang 2008 at Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal Bharat Bhavan Shahpura Lake Mahavirgiri Bhimbetka Caves Chowk Bazaar New Market & M.P. Nagar Government Archeological Museum {Asia's Biggest} Regional Museum of Natural History, Shahpura Regional Science Centre Kanha Fun City Tribal Habitat (Museum of Man) Manav Sangrahalaya Misrod Avenue Birla Mandir Capital Aquarium Shyamla Hills Utsav World Jehangirabad Habibganj Ashoka Garden Kolar Dam Kaliyasot Dam Barkheda B.H.E.L Jubilee Gate Noor Mehal V.I.P Road Chetak Fly Over Kamla Nehru City Park Gautami Mandir Shaan-E-Bhopal, India's First Rail Restaurant at Lake View Ashoka,Habibganj. Bhopal has many mosques including Taj-ul-Masajid (one of the largest mosques in Asia[25]), Dhai Seedi ki Masjid (one of the smallest mosques in Asia[26]), Jama Masjid (built by Qudsia Begum in 1837) and Moti Masjid (built by Sikander Begum in 1860). Some of the major historical buildings in Bhopal include Shaukat Mahal (a mixture of Indo-Islamic and European styles of architecture), Gohar Mahal (built by Qudsia Begum, fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture), Sadar Manzil (used by the Begums for public audience, now used as the head office of the Municipal Corporation) and Purana Kila (part of the 300-year-old fort of Queen Kamalapati, situated in the Kamala Nehru Park). Lakshmi Narayan Temple (or Birla Mandir), situated to the south of Lower Lake, is a temple devoted to Vishnu and his mythological consort Laxmi. An annual fare is held on Kartik Purnima at Manua Bhan Ki Tekri (Mahavir Giri), a Jain pilgrimage center located around seven kilometres away from Bhopal. A view of the lake at Bhopal Places of Interest near Bhopal Udaygiri Caves Sanchi Bhimbetka Bhojpur Kolar Dam Chiklod Raisen Delawadi Ginnorgarh Fort The Udaygiri Caves, located near the town of Vidisha, are cut into the side at a sandstone hill, date back from A.D. 320 to 606. An inscription in one of these caves states that it was carved out during the reign of Chandragupta II (A.D. 382-401). A three-day Ijtima (religious congregation) used to be held in the precincts of the Taj-ul-Masjid annually. It draws scores at Muslim pilgrims from all parts of India. It has now been shifted outside the city limits. Every year in January/February, the villages of the Manav Sangrahalaya hosts the potters' workshops, folk music and dance, and open-air plays. It showcases the tribals of the region who demonstrate their skills in painting, weaving, and the fashioning of bell metal into works of art. Entertainment & Night Life in BHOPAL A culturally vibrant city, Bhopal is a delight for theatre lovers as Bharat Bhavan, Manav Sangharalaya and Ravindra Bhavan, between them organise theatre fests all through the year. Bharat Bhavan also organises music and dance recitals. The city is also famous for its melas, or fairs. Bhopal Haat, Gauhar Mahal, Bidaan Market Ground and Dusshera Maidan are the main venues. Shopping Malls in BHOPAL Bhopal city has witnessed a full-boom development of Shopping Malls.There are more than 25 Shopping Malls being constructing in and around the city.The most Prominent are DB Mall, The largest mall in Asia Platinum Plaza , the largest in Madhya Pradesh.Others malls in the same category are Aura Mall & C-21 MALL. List of Shopping Malls in BHOPAL DB Mall, M.P. Nagar, Bhopal (6-screen Fun Republic) C-21 Mall, Hoshangabad Road, NH-12, Bhopal {5-screen Inox} Aura Mall, E-8 Arera Colony, Gulmohar, Bhopal {3-screen PVR} Aashima Lake City Mall, Hoshangabad Road, NH-12, Bhopal {6-screen CineMaxx} Viva Collage, Kolar Road, Bhopal Crown Mall, Hoshangabad Road, NH-12, Bhopal Prabhatam Grand Mall, Raisen Road, Bhopal Seven Dials Mall, British Park, Bhojpur Road, Bhopal Lake City Mall,South Bhopal Mangal City,Bhopal Bhaskar City Mall of Bhaskar Group, MP NAGAR,Bhopal Hariyali Shopping Centre, Barkheda,Bhopal Sun Cine-City & Complex, South Bhopal Orion Shopping Junction, South Bhopal Taj International Shopping Mall,East Bhopal Rainbow Delux,Bhopal [edit] Sports Cricket is popular in Bhopal. Although it does not have any stadium of international level, cricket at various levels is played at the Babe Ali stadium and the Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd. Sports Complex; the latter has even hosted a few matches at the national level. Construction of a Khelgaon is is being carried out which will have facilities for hosting international cricket, football and tennis as well as other indoor games.[27] At local level, cricket is played at Old Campion ground. Other tennis ball matches also take place in various parts of the city. The youngest captain of the Indian cricket team, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, was born and brought up in Bhopal. The Tatya Tope Stadium, located in the heart of the city, was a cricket stadium and held matches at local and state level.[28] But it has lately been converted into a multi-purpose stadium, with facilities for athletics, footbal, tennis, squash, table tennis, volleball, basketball, skating, martial arts and a gymnasium. Bhopal is also known for its hockey lovers. The Aishbagh stadium is synonymous for hockey players. Many players reach different grounds for practice. The city has produced many national and international players for Indian hockey team. The more famous one being Aslam Sher Khan, who represented India in several international games and was a part of the World Cup winning team in 1975. He later joined politics and went on to become a Member of Parliament. He also served the national hockey by being a part of the national selection committee. His father, Ahmed Sher Khan, represented India at the Berlin Olympics in 1936 along with Major Dhyan Chand.[29] Another popular sport of Bhopalis is bodybuilding.sab nawab hain saale,body nahi sab kuch banate hai In the old city, there are a number of gyms where youngsters workout everyday to make their body muscular. Slowly, this trend has caught up even in the new city where more modern equipments are being employed to help their members get into better shape. Body builders from the local gyms participate at national level and have tasted success at the state level. Apart from this, at school and college level, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, football and swimming are also popular sports. Every summer, Sports Authority of India holds camps which provide coaching to students of various ages games and sports of their choices. Another famous son of Bhopal is (Late) J P Narayanan. A graduate Mechanical Engineer from Maulana Azad College of Technology, (MACT), Bhopal, Narayanan had to his credit broadcasting running commentaries in English for 100 One-Day Internationals and 44 Test matches in his career as a cricket commentator for All India Radio (AIR). The third One-Day International match between India and Pakistan played at Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur in India on April 9, 2005 was his last assignment as a cricket commentator. An employee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, the BHEL sports complex was renamed to JP Narayanan Sports Complex, BHEL in an effort to honor his contribution to cricket in Bhopal and nationally as well. Bhopal is also coming up as a center of adventure sports. Trekking camps are being organised by Youth Hostels and other private clubs[30] and their destinations are Budhni Ghat, Narsingarh, Ratapani Sanctuary, Delawadi, Bhimbetka, Manuabhan Ki Tekri etc. The government has also established India's first National Sailing Club[31] at the Boat Club, in the Upper Lake. This club offers various water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, rafting, water skiing, para-sailing etc. Since its inception, it has hosted Canoeing and Kayaking Championships at national[32] as well as international[33] levels. Other adventure sports include parasailing, paragliding, hot air ballooning etc. [edit] Education The Universities located in Bhopal include the Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, the Barkatullah University, the Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (for distance education), the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism, and the NIT Bhopal(Institute of National Importance). There is AVS (Institute of Excellence in Higher Education), offering "Honours" courses in all the 3 streams (B.com Honours, B.Sc Honours and B.A. Honours.) Bhopal has the highest number of engineering colleges among all the cities in India: 70.[citation needed] The city is home to several MBA institutes, including the Indian Institute of Forest Management. Bhopal also houses The National Judicial Academy near Bhadbhada, the only of its kind in the country for the training and update of judges. The academy is run directly under the agies of The Chief Justice, Supreme Court of India. National Law Institute University, stands 3rd in ranking among Indian law schools. Bhopal has a number of state government run schools (affiliated to the Madhya Pradesh Board). There are, also, four center-run Kendriya Vidyalayas in the city (affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education). Additionally, there are numerous convent and private schools, which are affiliated to either the M.P. Board or C.B.S.E and even C.I.S.C.E. Delhi Public School, Bhopal is considered best school in Bhopal, It is a C.B.S.E. affiliated School Near Neelbad, It's a Part of prestigious D.P.S. Society, New Delhi. Among C.I.S.C.E Schools The Sanskaar Valley School is best in Bhopal. The Regional Institute of Education (RIE) of Bhopal, a constituent unit of the National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) and one of four such institutes in India. Digdarshika Institute of rehabilitation and Research, Bhopal, is a voluntary organization specialized in the disabilities and Mental Health sector, and also offers a diploma in special education. [edit] See also People from Bhopal The Universities located in Bhopal include the Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, the Barkatullah University, the Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University (for distance education), the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism, and the NIT Bhopal(a deemed university). Bhopal has the highest number of engineering colleges among all the cities in India: 70.[citation needed] The city is home to several MBA institutes, including the Indian Institute of Forest Management. Bhopal also houses The National Judicial Academy near Bhadbhada, the only of its kind in the country for the training and update of judges. The academy is run directly under the agies of The Chief Justice, Supreme Court of India. National Law Institute University, stands 3rd in ranking among Indian law schools. Bhopal has a number of state government run schools (affiliated to the Madhya Pradesh Board). There are, also, four center-run Kendriya Vidyalayas in the city (affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education). Additionally, there are numerous convent and private schools, which are affiliated to either the M.P. Board or C.B.S.E. There is one Carmel Convent School in BHEL area. This school is considered as one of the best schools in Bhopal. There is also a Campion School which is one of the best in Bhopal The Regional Institute of Education (RIE) of Bhopal, a constituent unit of the National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) and one of four such institutes in India. Digdarshika Institute of rehabilitation and Research, Bhopal, is a voluntary organization specialized in the disabilities and Mental Health sector, and also offers a diploma in special education. [edit] Further reading Lapierre, Dominique (2002). Five Past Midnight in Bhopal. Warner Books. ISBN 0743220358. Khan, Shaharyar. Begums of Bhopal, A Dynasty of Women Rulers in Raj India. ISBN 1860645283. Singh, J.P. (1998). City Planning in India: A Study of Land Use of Bhopal. Mittal Publications,India. ISBN 8170997054. Howgh, William (2006). A Brief History Of The Bhopal Principality In Central India. Hesperides Press. ISBN 1406712256. Mittal, Kamal (1990). History of Bhopal State: Development of Constitution, Administration and National Awakening, 1901-1949. South Asia Books. ISBN 9990309159. [edit] References 1. ^ Pilgrimage Centers of India by Brajesh Kumar. Page 104. ISBN 978-8171821853. 2. ^ "City of Lakes". http://www.southasiabiz.com/2006/10/city_of_lakes_mosques_and_temp.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-12. 3. ^ "ISRO Master Control Facility". http://www.isro.org/newsletters/spaceindia/oct2004jun2005/Chapter2.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-27. 4. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Control_Facility_of_ISRO,_Hassan 5. ^ "Bhopal AIIMS". http://www.centralchronicle.com/20060117/1701025.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-20. 6. ^ "Second largest Muslim state". Tour Travel World. http://www.amazon.com/dp/1860645283/. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 7. ^ "BMC History". 15 May 2007. http://www.bhopalmunicipal.com/history.htm. Retrieved on 2007-06-12. 8. ^ a b c d e f Ingrid Eckerman. The Bhopal Saga - causes and consequences of the world's largest industrial disaster (2004) Preview 9. ^ Green Peace international.Nightmare in Bhopal 10. ^ Bhopal - The world's worst industrial disaster 11. ^ ABC 20th anniversary of world's worst industrial disaster. Simi Chakrabarti 12. ^ "Bhopal industries". http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9079067/Bhopal#84367.hook. Retrieved on 2007-04-10. 13. ^ "Zari and Batua". http://www.craftandartisans.com/zari-zardozi-tinsel-embroidery.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-12. 14. ^ "Manjul Publishing House". http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20050010198. Retrieved on 2007-04-04. 15. ^ "Technology Park in Bhopal". http://www.mpsedc.com/stp_bhopal.htm. Retrieved on 2007-04-10. 16. ^ "Genpact BPO". http://www.bpowatchindia.com/news/news1198.asp. Retrieved on 2007-04-11. 17. ^ "Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha". http://mpvidhansabha.nic.in/default.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 18. ^ "Bhopal Municipal Corporation". http://www.bhopalmunicipal.com. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 19. ^ "Interstare Bus Terminus". http://www.centralchronicle.com/20060110/1001027.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-16. 20. ^ "Habibganj Station". http://www.bhopalplus.com/fullStory.asp?articleID=BHOP5ART3312006. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 21. ^ Bhopal Express 22. ^ http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070117/1701021.htm 23. ^ "Demographics of Bhopal". http://bhopal.nic.in/glance.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 24. ^ "Bhopal Paan". http://www.indiasurabhi.com/exploreindia/cuisinemain.htm. Retrieved on 2007-04-11. 25. ^ "Taj-ul-Masajid". Tour Travel World. http://www.tourtravelworld.com/hot_spots/bhopal/Taj-ul-Masajid/. Retrieved on 2007-03-12. 26. ^ "Bhopal Tours". http://www.destinationindiatourism.com/india-tour-destinations/bhopal-tours.html. Retrieved on 2007-03-12. 27. ^ "Cricinfo, BHEL Sports Complex". http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/57957.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-03. 28. ^ "Cricinfo, Tatya Tope Stadium". http://www.theoldie.co.uk/india/content/ground/57958.html. Retrieved on 2007-04-03. 29. ^ Matin Khan (1982). "The Autobiography of Aslam Sher Khan". Allied Publishers. http://www.bharatiyahockey.org/granthalaya/hellwithhockey/pre1975/page2.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 30. ^ "Bhopal Adventure Sports". http://www.centralchronicle.com/20061121/2111032.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 31. ^ "Water Sports in Bhopal". http://www.centralchronicle.com/20060809/0908021.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. 32. ^ "National Canoeing and Kayaking Championship". http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/showsports.aspx?id=SPOEN20050018409. Retrieved on 2007-04-04. 33. ^ "Asian Canoeing and Kayaking Championship". http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/showsports.aspx?id=SPOEN20030016656. Retrieved on 2007-04-04. The Bhopal disaster or Bhopal gas tragedy was an industrial disaster that took place at a Union Carbide pesticide plant in the Indian city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. On 3 December 1984, the plant released 42 tonnes of toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas, exposing more than 500,000 people to toxic gases. The first official immediate death toll was 2,259. A more generally accepted figure is that 8,000- 10,000 died within 72 hours, and it is estimated that 25,000 have since died from gas-related diseases.[1][2] The Bhopal disaster is frequently cited as the world's worst industrial disaster.[1][2][3][4][5] The International Medical Commission on Bhopal was established in 1993 to respond to the longterm health effects of the disaster. Contents [hide] 1 Summary of background and causes 1.1 Public information 2 Contributing factors 2.1 Plant production process 2.2 Work conditions 2.3 Equipment and safety regulations 3 Previous warnings and accidents 4 The leakage 4.1 Timeline, summary 5 Health effects 5.1 Short term health effects 5.2 Hydrogen cyanide or not? 5.3 Long term health effects 6 Aftermath of the leakage 6.1 Compensation from Union Carbide 6.2 Economic rehabilitation 6.3 Occupational rehabilitation 6.4 Habitation rehabilitation 6.5 Healthcare 6.6 Environmental rehabilitation 7 Union Carbide's defense 7.1 Investigation into possible sabotage 7.2 Safety and equipment issues 7.3 Response 8 Long-term fallout 8.1 Legal action against Union Carbide + 8.1.1 Legal proceedings leading to the settlement + 8.1.2 Charges against Warren Anderson and others 9 Changes in corporate identity 9.1 Sale of Union Carbide India Limited 9.2 Acquisition of Union Carbide by Dow Chemical Company 10 Ongoing contamination 10.1 Criticisms of clean-up operations 11 Additional settlement funds hoax 12 See also 13 References 13.1 Books, reports 13.2 Papers 13.3 Reports, no author's name + 13.3.1 Union Carbide Corporation + 13.3.2 Health research + 13.3.3 Contamination of site + 13.3.4 Mixed 13.4 Presentations 14 External links 14.1 Websites 14.2 Reportage, films, music 14.3 Photos 14.4 Texts [edit] Summary of background and causes The Union Carbide India, Limited (UCIL) factory was established in 1969 near Bhopal. 51% was owned by Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) and 49% by Indian authorities. It produced the pesticide carbaryl (trademark Sevin). Methyl isocyanate (MIC), an intermediate in carbaryl manufacture, was also used. In 1979 a plant for producing MIC was added to the site. MIC was used instead of less toxic (but more expensive) materials, and UCC was aware of the substance's properties and how it had to be handled.[6][7][8] During the night of December 2–3, 1984, large amounts of water entered tank 610, containing 42 tonnes of methyl isocyanate. The resulting reaction increased the temperature inside the tank to over 200 °C (392 °F), raising the pressure to a level the tank was not designed to withstand. This forced the emergency venting of pressure from the MIC holding tank, releasing a large volume of toxic gases. The reaction sped up because of the presence of iron in corroding non-stainless steel pipelines. A mixture of poisonous gases flooded the city of Bhopal, causing great panic as people woke up with a burning sensation in their lungs. Thousands died immediately from the effects of the gas and many were trampled in the panic. Theories of how the water entered the tank differ. At the time, workers were cleaning out pipes with water, and some claim that owing to bad maintenance and leaking valves, it was possible for the water to leak into tank 610.[3] In December 1985 the New York Times reported that according to UCIL plant managers the hypothesis of this route of entry of water was tested in the presence of the Central Bureau Investigators and was found to be negative. [9] UCC also maintains that this route was not possible, and that it was an act of sabotage by a "disgruntled worker" who introduced water directly into the tank.[10] However, the company's investigation team found no evidence of the necessary connection.[11] The 1985 reports[11][12][13] give a quite clear picture of what led to the disaster and how it developed, although they differ in details. However, the Varadarajan (CSIR) Report failed to mention that when the water-washing hypothesis was tested and that there was not sufficient pressure for water to rise even to the very first valve. Factors leading to this huge gas leak include: The use of hazardous chemicals (MIC) instead of less dangerous ones Storing these chemicals in large tanks instead of over 200 steel drums. Possible corroding material in pipelines Poor maintenance after the plant ceased production in the early 1980s Failure of several safety systems (due to poor maintenance and regulations). Safety systems shut down to save money- including the MIC tank refrigeration system which alone would have prevented the disaster. Plant design modified by Indian engineers to abide by government regulations and economic pressures to reduce expenses contributed most to the actual leak. The problem was then made worse by the plant's location near a densely populated area, non-existent catastrophe plans, shortcomings in healthcare and socio-economic rehabilitation, etc. Analysis shows that the parties responsible for the magnitude of the disaster are the two owners, Union Carbide Corporation and the Government of India, and to some extent, the Government of Madhya Pradesh.[1][2][14] [edit] Public information Much speculation arose in the aftermath. The closing of the plant to outsiders (including UCC) by the Indian government, and the failure to make data public contributed to the confusion. The CSIR report[13] was formally released 15 years after the disaster. The authors of the ICMR studies[15] on health effects were forbidden to publish their data until after 1994. UCC has still not released their research about the disaster or the even the effects of the gas on human health. Soon after the disaster UCC was kept out from taking part in the investigation by the government. The initial investigation was conducted entirely by the government agencies - Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the directorship of Dr. Varadajan and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). UCC and the Government of India maintained until 1994, when the International Medical Commission on Bhopal met, that MIC had no longterm health effects.[1][2] [edit] Contributing factors The deficiencies in the Bhopal plant design can be summarised as: choosing a dangerous method of manufacturing pesticides; large-scale storage of MIC before selling; location close to a densely populated area; underdimensioning of the safety features; dependence on manual operations.[1][2] Deficiencies in the management of UCIL can be summarised: lack of skilled operators due to the staffing policy; reduction of safety management due to reducing the staff; insufficient maintenance of the plant; lack of emergency response plans.[1][2][16] [edit] Plant production process Union Carbide produced the pesticide, Sevin (a trademarked brand name for carbaryl), using MIC as an intermediate. Until 1979, MIC was imported from the USA.[2] Other manufacturers, such as Bayer, made Sevin without MIC, though at greater manufacturing costs.[17] The chemical process, or "route" used in the Bhopal plant was to react methyl amine with phosgene to form MIC, which was then reacted with 1-naphthol to form the final product. This route is different from the MIC-free route used elsewhere, in which the same raw materials are used in a different manufacturing order, with phosgene first reacted with the naphthol to form a chloroformate ester, which is then reacted with methyl amine. It seems that at least some of the technology used was more or less unproven.[18] In the early 1980s, the demand for pesticides had fallen though production continued, leading to buildup of stores of unused MIC.[2][17] [edit] Work conditions Attempts to reduce expenses affected the factory's employees and their conditions. Kurzman argues that "cuts ... meant less stringent quality control and thus looser safety rules. A pipe leaked? Don't replace it, employees said they were told ... MIC workers needed more training? They could do with less. Promotions were halted, seriously affecting employee morale and driving some of the most skilled ... elsewhere".[19] Workers were forced to use English manuals, even though only a few had a grasp of the language.[3][20] By 1984, only six of the original twelve operators were still working with MIC and the number of supervisory personnel was also cut in half. No maintenance supervisor was placed on the night shift and instrument readings were taken every two hours, rather than the previous and required one-hour readings.[3][19] Workers made complaints about the cuts through their union but were ignored. One employee was fired after going on a 15-day hunger strike. 70% of the plant's employees were fined before the disaster for refusing to deviate from the proper safety regulations under pressure from management.[3][19] In addition, some observers, such as those writing in the Trade Environmental Database (TED) Case Studies as part of the Mandala Project from American University, have pointed to "serious communication problems and management gaps between Union Carbide and its Indian operation", characterised by "the parent companies [sic] hands-off approach to its overseas operation" and "cross-cultural barriers".[21] The personnel management policy led to an exodus of skilled personnel to better and safer jobs.[3][16] [edit] Equipment and safety regulations Union carbide MIC plant It emerged in 1998, during civil action suits in India, that, unlike Union Carbide plants in the USA, its Indian subsidiary plants were not prepared for problems. No action plans had been established to cope with incidents of this magnitude. This included not informing local authorities of the quantities or dangers of chemicals used and manufactured at Bhopal.[1][2][3][17] The MIC tank’s alarms had not worked for 4 years.[1][2][3][22] There was only one manual back-up system, not the four-stage system used in the USA.[1][2][3][22] The flare tower and the vent gas scrubber had been out of service for 5 months before the disaster. The gas scrubber therefore did not treat escaping gases with sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), which might have brought the concentration down to a safe level.[22] Even if the scrubber had been working, according to Weir, investigations in the aftermath of the disaster discovered that the maximum pressure it could handle was only one-quarter of that which was present in the accident. Furthermore, the flare tower itself was improperly designed and could only hold one-quarter of the volume of gas that was leaked in 1984.[1][2][3][23] To reduce energy costs, the refrigeration system, designed to inhibit the volatilization of MIC, had been left idle — the MIC was kept at 20 degrees Celsius, not the 4.5 degrees advised by the manual, and some of the coolant was being used elsewhere.[1][2][3][22] The steam boiler, intended to clean the pipes, was out of action for unknown reasons.[1][2][3][22] Slip-blind plates that would have prevented water from pipes being cleaned from leaking into the MIC tanks through faulty valves were not installed. Their installation had been omitted from the cleaning checklist.[1][2][3] Water sprays designed to “knock down” gas leaks were poorly designed — set to 13 metres and below, they could not spray high enough to reduce the concentration of escaping gas.[1][2][3][22] The MIC tank had been malfunctioning for roughly a week. Other tanks had been used for that week, rather than repairing the broken one, which was left to “stew”. The build-up in temperature and pressure is believed to have affected the magnitude of the gas release.[1][2][3][22] Carbon steel valves were used at the factory, even though they corrode when exposed to acid.[17] On the night of the disaster, a leaking carbon steel valve was found, allowing water to enter the MIC tanks. The pipe was not repaired because it was believed it would take too much time and be too expensive.[1][2][3][22] UCC admitted in their own investigation report that most of the safety systems were not functioning on the night of the December 3, 1984.[12] Themistocles D'Silva contends that the design of the MIC plant, following government guidelines, was "Indianized" by UCIL engineers to maximize the use of indigenous materials and products. It also dispensed with the use of sophisticated instrumentation as not appropriate for the Indian plant. Because of the unavailability of electronic parts in India, the Indian engineers preferred pneumatic instrumentation.[24] [edit] Previous warnings and accidents A series of prior warnings and MIC-related accidents had occurred: In 1976, the two trade unions reacted because of pollution within the plant.[1][2][16] In 1981, a worker was splashed with phosgene. In panic he ripped off his mask, thus inhaling a large amount of phosgene gas; he died 72 hours later.[1][2][16] In January 1982, there was a phosgene leak, when 24 workers were exposed and had to be admitted to hospital. None of the workers had been ordered to wear protective masks. In February 1982, an MIC leak affected 18 workers.[1][2][16] In August 1982, a chemical engineer came into contact with liquid MIC, resulting in burns over 30 percent of his body.[1][2][16] In October 1982, there was a leak of MIC, methylcarbaryl chloride, chloroform and hydrochloric acid. In attempting to stop the leak, the MIC supervisor suffered intensive chemical burns and two other workers were severely exposed to the gases.[1][2][16] During 1983 and 1984, leaks of the following substances regularly took place in the MIC plant: MIC, chlorine, monomethylamine, phosgene, and carbon tetrachloride, sometimes in combination.[1][2][16] Reports issued months before the incident by scientists within the Union Carbide corporation warned of the possibility of an accident almost identical to that which occurred in Bhopal. The reports were ignored and never reached senior staff.[2][17] Union Carbide was warned by American experts who visited the plant after 1981 of the potential of a "runaway reaction" in the MIC storage tank; local Indian authorities warned the company of problems on several occasions from 1979 onwards. Again, these warnings were not heeded.[2][17] [edit] The leakage In November 1984, most of the safety systems were not functioning. Many valves and lines were in poor condition. Tank 610 contained 42 tonnes MIC, much more than allowed according to safety rules.[1][2] During the nights of 2–3 December, large amounts of water entered tank 610. A runaway reaction started, which was accelerated by contaminants, high temperatures and other factors. The reaction generated a major increase in the temperature inside the tank to over 200°C (400°F). This forced the emergency venting of pressure from the MIC holding tank, releasing a large volume of toxic gases. The reaction was sped up by the presence of iron from corroding non-stainless steel pipelines.[1][2] It is known that workers cleaned pipelines with water. They were not told by the supervisor to add a slip-blind water isolation plate. Because of this, and of the bad maintenance, the workers consider it possible for water to have accidentally entered the MIC tank.[1][2][3] UCC maintains that a "disgruntled worker" deliberately connected a hose to a pressure gauge. However, this would hardly have been possible if the safety rules had been followed.[1][2][10] UCC's investigation team found no evidence of the suggested connection.[11] [edit] Timeline, summary At the plant[1][2] 21.00 Water cleaning of pipes starts. 22.00 Water enters tank 610, reaction starts. 22.30 Gases are emitted from the vent gas scrubber tower. 00.30 The large siren sounds and is turned off. 00.50 The siren is heard within the plant area. The workers escape. Outside[1][2] 22.30 First sensations due to the gases are felt — suffocation, cough, burning eyes and vomiting. 1.00 Police are alerted. Residents of the area evacuate. Union Carbide director denies any leak. 2.00 The first people reached Hamidia hospital. Symptoms include visual impairment and blindness, respiratory difficulties, frothing at the mouth, and vomiting. 2.10 The alarm is heard outside the plant. 4.00 The gases are brought under control. 6.00 A police loudspeaker broadcasts: "Everything is normal". [edit] Health effects [edit] Short term health effects Apart from MIC, the gas cloud may have contained phosgene, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrous oxides, monomethyl amine (MMA) and carbon dioxide, either produced in the storage tank or in the atmosphere.[1][2] All these gases, except carbon dioxide, are acutely toxic at levels well below 500 ppm.[citation needed] The gas cloud composed mainly of materials denser than the surrounding air, stayed close to the ground and spread outwards through the surrounding community. The initial effects of exposure were coughing, vomiting, severe eye irritation and a feeling of suffocation. People awakened by these symptoms fled away from the plant. Those who ran inhaled more than those who had a vehicle to ride. Owing to their height, children and other people of shorter stature inhaled relatively higher concentrations. Many people were trampled trying to escape.[1][2] Thousands of people had succumbed by the morning hours. There were mass funerals and mass cremations as well as disposal of bodies in the Narmada river. 170,000 people were treated at hospitals and temporary dispensaries. 2,000 buffalo, goats, and other animals were collected and buried. Within a few days, leaves on trees went yellow and fell off. Supplies, including food, became scarce owing to suppliers' safety fears. Fishing was prohibited as well, which caused further supply shortages.[1][2] A total of 36 wards were marked by the authorities as being "gas affected", affecting a population of 520,000. Of these, 200,000 were below 15 years of age, and 3,000 were pregnant women. In 1991, 3,928 deaths had been certified. Independent organizations recorded 8,000 dead in the first days. Other estimations vary between 10,000 and 30,000. Another 100,000 to 200,000 people are estimated to have permanent injuries of different degrees.[1][2] The acute symptoms were burning in the respiratory tract and eyes, blepharospasm, breathlessness, stomach pains and vomiting. The causes of deaths were choking, reflexogenic circulatory collapse and pulmonary oedema. Findings during autopsies revealed changes not only in the lungs but also cerebral oedema, tubular necrosis of the kidneys, fatty generation of the liver and necrotising enteritis.[25] The stillbirth rate increased by up to 300% and neonatal mortality rate by 200 %.[1][2] [edit] Hydrogen cyanide or not? Whether hydrogen cyanide was present in the gas mixture is still a controversy.[25][26] Exposed at higher temperatures, MIC breaks down to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). According to Kulling & Lorin, at +200°C, 3 % of the gas is HCN.[27] However, according to another scientific publication,[28] MIC when heated in the gas-phase starts breaks down to hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and other products above 400°C. Concentrations of 300 ppm can lead to immediate collapse. Laboratory replication studies by CSIR and UCC scientists failed to detect any HCN. Chemically, HCN is known to be very reactive with MIC. [29] The non-toxic antidote sodium thiosulfate (NaTs) in intravenous injections increases the rate of conversion from cyanide to non-toxic thiocyanate. Treatment was suggested early, but because of confusion within the medical establishments, it was not used on larger scale until June 1985.[1][2] [edit] Long term health effects It is estimated that 20,000 have died since the accident from gas-related diseases. Another 100,000 to 200,000 people are estimated to have permanent injuries.[1][2] The quality of the epidemiological and clinical research varies. Reported and studied symptoms are eye problems, respiratory difficulties, immune and neurological disorders, cardiac failure secondary to lung injury, female reproductive difficulties, and birth defects among children born to affected women. Other symptoms and diseases are often ascribed to the gas exposure, but there is no good research supporting this.[1][2] The best, most credible research comes from a clinic established by a group of survivors and activists known as Sambhavna. Sambhavna is the only clinic that will treat any body affected by the gas, or the subsequent water poisoning, and treats the condition with a combination of Western and traditional Indian medicines, and has performed extensive research, see: http://bhopal.org/index.php?id=20 Union Carbide as well as the Indian Government long denied permanent injuries by MIC and the other gases. In January, 1994, the International Medical Commission on Bhopal (IMCB) visited Bhopal to investigate the health status among the survivors as well as the healthcare system and the socio-economic rehabilitation. The reports from Indian Council of Medical Research[15] were not completely released until around 2003. For a review of the research on the health effects of the Bhopal disaster, see Dhara & Dhara (2002).[30] [edit] Aftermath of the leakage Medical staff were completely unprepared for the thousands of casualties.[1][2] Doctors and hospitals were not informed of proper treatment methods for MIC gas inhalation. They were told to simply give cough medicine and eye drops to their patients.[1][2] The gases immediately caused visible damage to the trees. Within a few days, all the leaves fell off.[1][2] 2,000 bloated animal carcasses had to be disposed of.[1][2] "Operation Faith": On December 16, the tanks 611 and 619 were emptied of the remaining MIC. This led to a second mass evacuation from Bhopal.[1][2] Complaints of a lack of information or misinformation were widespread. Not even the medical doctor at the Bhopal plant had proper information about the properties of the gases. An Indian Government spokesman said that "Carbide is more interested in getting information from us than in helping our relief work."[1][2] As of 2008, UCC has not released information about the possible composition of the cloud.[1][2] Formal statements were issued that air, water, vegetation and foodstuffs were safe within the city. At the same time, people were informed that poultry was unaffected, but were warned not to consume fish.[1][2] [edit] Compensation from Union Carbide The Government of India passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act that gave the government rights to represent all victims in or outside India.[1][2] UCC offered US$350 million, the insurance sum.[1][2] The Government of India claimed US$350 million from UCC.[1][2] In 1989, a settlement was reached under which UCC agreed to pay US$470 million (the insurance sum, plus interest) in a full and final settlement of its civil and criminal liability.[1][2] When UCC wanted to sell its shares in UCIL, it was directed by the Supreme Court to finance a 500-bed hospital for the medical care of the survivors. Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) was inaugurated in 1998. It was obliged to give free care for survivors for eight years.[1][2] [edit] Economic rehabilitation After the accident, no one under the age of 18 was registered. The number of children exposed to the gases was at least 200,000.[1][2] Immediate relief was decided two days after the tragedy.[1][2] Relief measures commenced in 1985 when food was distributed for a short period and ration cards were distributed.[1][2] Widow pension of the rate of Rs 200/per month (later Rs 750) was provided.[1][2] One-time ex-gratia payment of Rs 1,500 to families with monthly income Rs 500 or less was decided.[1][2] Each claimant was to be categorised by a doctor. In court, the claimants were expected to prove "beyond reasonable doubt" that death or injury in each case was attributable to exposure. In 1992, 44 percent of the claimants still had to be medically examined.[1][2] From 1990 interim relief of Rs 200 was paid to everyone in the family who was born before the disaster.[1][2] The final compensation (including interim relief) for personal injury was for the majority Rs 25,000 (US$ 830). For death claim, the average sum paid out was Rs 62,000.[1][2] Effects of interim relief were more children sent to school, more money spent on treatment, more money spent on food, improvement of housing conditions.[1][2] The management of registration and distribution of relief showed many shortcomings.[31] In 2007, 1,029,517 cases were registered and decided. Number of awarded cases were 574,304 and number of rejected cases 455,213. Total compensation awarded was Rs.1,546.47 crores.[32] Because of the smallness of the sums paid and the denial of interest to the claimants, a sum as large as Rs 10 billion is expected to be left over after all claims have been disposed of.[1][2] [edit] Occupational rehabilitation 33 of the 50 planned worksheds for gas victims started. All except one was closed down by 1992.[1][2] 1986, the MP government invested in the Special Industrial Area Bhopal. 152 of the planned 200 worksheds were built. In 2000, 16 were partially functioning.[1][2] It is estimated that 50,000 persons need alternative jobs, and that less than 100 gas victims have found regular employment under the government's scheme.[1][2] [edit] Habitation rehabilitation 2,486 flats in two- and four-story buildings were constructed in the "Widows colony" outside Bhopal. The water did not reach the upper floors. It was not possible to keep cattle. Infrastructure like buses, schools, etc. were missing for at least a decade.[1][2] [edit] Healthcare In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the healthcare system became tremendously overloaded. Within weeks, the State Government established a number of hospitals, clinics and mobile units in the gas-affected area.[1][2] Radical health groups set up JSK (the People's Health Centre) that was working a few years from 1985.[1][2] Since the leak, a very large number of private practitioners have opened in Bhopal. In the severely affected areas, nearly 70 percent do not appear to be professionally qualified.[1][2] The Government of India has focused primarily on increasing the hospital-based services for gas victims. Several hospitals have been built after the disaster. In 1994, there were approximately 1.25 beds per 1,000, compared to the recommendation from the World bank of 1.0 beds per 1,000 in developing countries.[1][2] The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) is a 350-bedded super speciality hospital. Heart surgery and hemodialysis are done. Major specialities missing are gynaecology, obstetrics and paediatrics. Eight mini-units (outreach health centres) were started. Free healthcare for gas victims should be offered until 2006.[1][2] The management has faced problems with strikes, and the quality of the healthcare is disputed.[33][34][35] Sambhavna Trust is a charitable trust that registered in 1995. The clinic gives modern and Ayurvedic treatments to gas victims, free of charge.[1][2][36] [edit] Environmental rehabilitation When the factory was closed down in 1985–1986, pipes, drums and tanks were cleaned and sold off. The MIC and the Sevin plants are still there, as are storages of different residues. Isolation material is falling down and spreading.[2] The area around the plant was used as a dumping area for hazardous chemicals. In 1982 tubewells in the vicinity of the UCC factory had to be abandoned.[2] UCC's laboratory tests in 1989 revealed that soil and water samples collected from near the factory and inside the plant were toxic to fish.[37] Several other studies has shown polluted soil and groundwater in the area.[2]. Reported polluting compounds are, among others, naphthol, naphthalene, Sevin, tarry residue, mercury, toxic organochlorines, volatile organochlorine compounds, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, hexachloroethane, hexachlorobutadiene, pesticide HCH and halo-organics[clarification needed]. It is plausible that these chemicals have some negative health effects on those exposed, but there is no scientific evidence.[2] In order to provide safe drinking water to the population around the UCC factory, there is a scheme for improvement of water supply.[32] In December 2008, the Madhya Pradesh High Court decided that the toxic waste should be incinerated at Ankeleshwar in Gujarat.[38] [edit] Union Carbide's defense Now owned by Dow Chemical Company, Union Carbide denies allegations against it on its website dedicated to the tragedy. The corporation believes that the accident was the result of sabotage, stating that safety systems were in place and operative. It also stresses that it did all it could to alleviate human suffering following the disaster.[39] [edit] Investigation into possible sabotage Theories of how the water entered the tank differ. At the time, workers were cleaning out pipes with water. The workers maintain that entry of water through the plant's piping system during the washing of lines was possible because a slip-bind was not used, the downstream bleeder lines were partially clogged, many valves were leaking, and the tank was not pressurised. The water, which was not draining properly through the bleeder valves, may have built up in the pipe, rising high enough to pour back down through another series of lines in the MIC storage tank. Once water had accumulated to a height of 6 meters (20 feet), it could drain by gravity flow back into the system. Alternatively, the water may have been routed through another standby "jumper line" that had only recently been connected to the system. Indian scientists suggested that additional water might have been introduced as a "back-flow" from the defectively designed vent-gas scrubber.[2][3] The company cites an investigation conducted by the engineering consulting firm Arthur D. Little, which concluded that a single employee secretly and deliberately introduced a large amount of water into the MIC tank by removing a meter and connecting a water hose directly to the tank through the metering port.[10] Carbide claims such a large amount of water could not have found its way into the tank by accident, and safety systems were not designed to deal with intentional sabotage. Documents cited in the Arthur D. Little Report as well as in the recent book The Black Box of Bhopal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) along with UCIL engineers tried to simulate the water-washing hypothesis — as the route of the entry of water into the tank. This all-important test failed to support this route of water entry. UC says that the rest of the plant staff falsified numerous records to distance themselves from the incident, and that the Indian Government impeded its investigation and declined to prosecute the employee responsible, presumably because that would weaken its allegations of negligence against Union Carbide.[citation needed] [edit] Safety and equipment issues The corporation denies the claim that the valves on the tank were malfunctioning, claiming that "documented evidence gathered after the incident showed that the valve close to the plant's water-washing operation was closed and leak-tight. Furthermore, process safety systems — in place and operational — would have prevented water from entering the tank by accident". Carbide states that the safety concerns identified in 1982 were all allayed before 1984 and "none of them had anything to do with the incident".[40] The company admits that "the safety systems in place could not have prevented a chemical reaction of this magnitude from causing a leak". According to Carbide, "in designing the plant's safety systems, a chemical reaction of this magnitude was not factored in" because "the tank's gas storage system was designed to automatically prevent such a large amount of water from being inadvertently introduced into the system" and "process safety systems — in place and operational — would have prevented water from entering the tank by accident". Instead, they claim that "employee sabotage — not faulty design or operation — was the cause of the tragedy".[40] [edit] Response The company stresses the "immediate action" taken after the disaster and their continued commitment to helping the victims. On December 4, the day following the leak, Union Carbide sent material aid and several international medical experts to assist the medical facilities in Bhopal.[40] Carbide put $2 million into the Indian Prime Minister's immediate disaster relief fund on 11 December 1984.[40] The corporation established the Employees' Bhopal Relief Fund in February 1985, which raised more than $5 million for immediate relief.[41] In August 1987, Carbide made an additional $4.6 million in humanitarian interim relief available.[41] Union Carbide also undertook several steps to provide continuing aid to the victims of the Bhopal disaster after the court ruling, including: The sale of its 50.9 percent interest in UCIL in April 1992 and establishment of a charitable trust to contribute to the building of a local hospital. The sale was finalized in November 1994. The hospital was begun in October 1995 and was opened in 2001. The company provided a fund with around $90 million from sale of its UCIL stock. In 1991, the trust had amounted approximately $100 million. The hospital caters for the treatment of heart, lung and eye problems.[39] Providing "a $2.2 million grant to Arizona State University to establish a vocational-technical center in Bhopal, which was constructed and opened, but was later closed and leveled by the government".[42] Donating $5 million to the Indian Red Cross.[42] Developing the Responsible Care system with other members of the chemical industry as a response to the Bhopal crisis, which is designed "to help prevent such an event in the future by improving community awareness, emergency preparedness and process safety standards".[41] [edit] Long-term fallout Legal action against Union Carbide has dominated the aftermath of the disaster. However, other issues have also continued to develop. These include the problems of ongoing contamination, criticisms of the clean-up operation undertaken by Union Carbide, and a 2004 hoax. Time-line 1984–2004: See "Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Fact Sheet", Hindustan Times, Dec 3, 2004[43] [edit] Legal action against Union Carbide Legal issues began affecting Union Carbide, the US and Indian governments, the local authorities in Bhopal and the victims of the disaster immediately after the catastrophe. [edit] Legal proceedings leading to the settlement On 14 December 1984, the Chairman and CEO of Union Carbide, Warren Anderson, addressed the US Congress, stressing the company's "commitment to safety" and promising to ensure that a similar accident "cannot happen again". However, the Indian Government passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Act in March 1985, allowing the Government of India to act as the legal representative for victims of the disaster,[41] leading to the beginning of legal wrangling. March 1986 saw Union Carbide propose a settlement figure, endorsed by plaintiffs' US attorneys, of $350 million that would, according to the company, "generate a fund for Bhopal victims of between $500–600 million over 20 years". In May, litigation was transferred from the US to Indian courts by US District Court Judge. Following an appeal of this decision, the US Court of Appeals affirmed the transfer, judging, in January 1987, that UCIL was a "separate entity, owned, managed and operated exclusively by Indian citizens in India".[41] The judge in the US granted Carbide's forum request, thus moving the case to India. This meant that, under US federal law, the company had to submit to Indian jurisdiction. Litigation continued in India during 1988. The Government of India claimed US$350 billion from UCC.[1][2] The Indian Supreme Court told both sides to come to an agreement and "start with a clean slate" in November 1988.[41] Eventually, in an out-of-court settlement reached in 1989 , Union Carbide agreed to pay US$ 470 million for damages caused in the Bhopal disaster, 15% of the original $3 billion claimed in the lawsuit.[2] By the end of October 2003, according to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, compensation had been awarded to 554,895 people for injuries received and 15,310 survivors of those killed. The average amount to families of the dead was $2,200.[44] Throughout 1990, the Indian Supreme Court heard appeals against the settlement from "activist petitions". Nonetheless, in October 1991, the Supreme Court upheld the original $470 million, dismissing any other outstanding petitions that challenged the original decision. The decision set aside a "portion of settlement that quashed criminal prosecutions that were pending at the time of settlement". The Court ordered the Indian government "to purchase, out of settlement fund, a group medical insurance policy to cover 100,000 persons who may later develop symptoms" and cover any shortfall in the settlement fund. It also "requests" that Carbide and its subsidiary "voluntarily" fund a hospital in Bhopal, at an estimated $17 million, to specifically treat victims of the Bhopal disaster. The company agreed to this.[41] However, the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal notes that the Court also reinstated criminal charges. [edit] Charges against Warren Anderson and others The Chairman and CEO of Union Carbide, Warren Anderson, had been arrested and released on bail by the Madhya Pradesh Police in Bhopal on December 7, 1984. This caused controversy as his trip to Bhopal was conditional on an initial promise by Indian authorities not to arrest him. Anderson has since refused to return to India. In 1987, the Indian government summoned Warren Anderson, eight other executives and two company affiliates with homicide charges to appear in Indian court.[45] Union Carbide balked, saying the company is not under Indian jurisdiction.[45] Beginning in 1991, the local authorities from Bhopal charged Warren Anderson, who had retired in 1986, with manslaughter, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Anderson has so far avoided an international arrest warrant and a US court summons. He was declared a fugitive from justice by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Bhopal on February 1, 1992 for failing to appear at the court hearings in a culpable homicide case in which he was named the chief defendant. Orders were passed to the Government of India to press for an extradition from the United States, with whom India had an extradition treaty in place. He went missing for several years, until 2002 when he was discovered by Greenpeace "living a life of luxury in the Hamptons".[46] The Bhopal Medical Appeal believe that "neither the American nor the Indian government seem interested in disturbing him with an extradition". Some allege that the Indian government has hesitated to put forth a strong case of extradition to the United States, fearing backlash from foreign investors who have become more important players in the Indian economy following liberalization.[citation needed] A seemingly apathetic attitude from the US government, which has failed to pursue the case, has also led to strong protests in the past, most notably by Greenpeace. A plea by India's Central Bureau of Investigation to dilute the charges from culpable homicide to criminal negligence has since been dismissed by the Indian courts. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of the decision of the lower federal courts in October 1993, meaning that victims of the Bhopal disaster could not seek damages in a US court.[41] Meanwhile, very little of the money from the settlement reached with Union Carbide went to the survivors, and people in the area feel betrayed not only by Union Carbide (and chairman Warren Anderson), but also by their own politicians.[1][2]On the anniversary of the tragedy, effigies of Anderson and politicians are burnt. In July 2004, the Indian Supreme Court ordered the Indian government to release any remaining settlement funds to victims. The deadline for this release was extended by the Indian Supreme Court In April 2005, giving the Indian government until 30 April 2006 after a request from the Welfare Commission for Bhopal Gas Victims. The fund is believed to amount to $500 million after earning interest "from money remaining after all claims had been paid".[41] August 2006 saw the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City uphold the dismissal of remaining claims in the case of Bano v. Union Carbide Corporation. This move blocked plaintiffs' motions for class certification and claims for property damages and remediation. In the view of Carbide, "the ruling reaffirms UCC's long-held positions and finally puts to rest — both procedurally and substantively — the issues raised in the class action complaint first filed against Union Carbide in 1999 by Haseena Bi and several organizations representing the residents of Bhopal". In September 2006, the Welfare Commission for Bhopal Gas Victims announced that all original compensation claims and revised petitions had been "cleared".[41] Criminal charges are proceeding against former Union Carbide India Limited employees including: Former UCIL Chairman Shri Keshub Mahindra; presently Chairman-cum-managing Director Vijay Gokhale; former Vice-President Functioning In charge, Kishor Kamdar; former works manager J. Mukund; and former Production manager A.P. Division, S.P. Choudhury. Federal class action litigation, Sahu v. Union Carbide et al.[47], is presently pending on appeal before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York. The litigation seeks damages for personal injury, medical monitoring[48] and injunctive relief in the form of cleanup[49] of the drinking water supplies[50] for residential areas near the Bhopal plant[51] A related complaint seeking similar relief for property damage claimants is stayed pending the outcome of the Sahu appeal before the federal district court in the Southern District of New York. [edit] Changes in corporate identity [edit] Sale of Union Carbide India Limited Union Carbide sold its Indian subsidiary, which had operated the Bhopal plant, to Eveready Industries India Limited, in 1994. [edit] Acquisition of Union Carbide by Dow Chemical Company The Dow Chemical Company purchased Union Carbide in 2001 for $10.3 billion in stock and debt. Dow has publicly stated several times that the Union Carbide settlement payments have already fulfilled Dow's financial responsibility for the disaster. Some Dow stockholders filed suits to stop the acquisition, noting the outstanding liabilities for the Bhopal disaster.[52] The acquisition has gained criticism from the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, as it is apparently "contrary to established merger law" in that "Dow denies any responsibility for Carbide's Bhopal liabilities". According to the Bhopal Medical Appeal, Carbide "remains liable for the environmental devastation" as environmental damage was not included in the 1989 settlement, despite ongoing contamination issues.[52] [edit] Ongoing contamination The contamination in the site itself and the surrounding areas did not arise directly from the Bhopal disaster, but rather from the materials processed at the plant and the conditions under which those materials were processed. The area around the plant was used as a dumping ground area for hazardous chemicals. Between 1969 and 1977, all effluents were dumped in an open pit. From then on, neutralisation with hydrochloric acid was undertaken. The effluents went to two evaporation ponds. In the rainy seasons, the effluents used to overflow. It is also said that lots of chemicals are buried in the grounds.[2] Already in 1982 tubewells in the vicinity of the UCC factory had to be abandoned. In 1991 the municipal authorities declared water from over 100 tubewells to be unfit for drinking.[2] After closing the factory, pipes, drums and tanks from the production union were cleaned and sold off to local entrepreneurs. The MIC plant, the Sevin plant, the tanks and the control room are still there, as are storages of different residues. Isolation material is spreading everywhere.[2] Carbide's laboratory tests in 1989 revealed that soil and water samples collected from near the factory were toxic to fish. 21 sites inside the plant were highly polluted. In 1994 it was reported that 21% of the factory premises were seriously contaminated with chemicals.[37][53][54] Studies made by Greenpeace and others from soil, groundwater, wellwater and vegetables from the residential areas around UCIL and from the UCIL factory area show contamination with a range of toxic heavy metals and chemical compounds.[53][54][55][56][57] Substances found, according to the reports, are naphthol, naphthalene, Sevin, tarry residues, alpha napthol, mercury, organochlorines, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, hexachlorethane, hexachlorobuta-diene, pesticide HCH (BHC), volatile organic compounds and halo-organics. Many of these contaminants were also found in breast milk. In 2002, an inquiry found a number of toxins, including mercury, lead, 1,3,5 trichlorobenzene, dichloromethane and chloroform, in nursing women's breast milk. Well water and groundwater tests conducted in the surrounding areas in 1999 showed mercury levels to be at "20,000 and 6 million times" higher than expected levels; heavy metals and organochlorines were present in the soil. Chemicals that have been linked to various forms of cancer were also discovered, as well as trichloroethene, known to impair fetal development, at 50 times above safety limits specified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).[52] In an investigation broadcast on BBC Radio 5 on November 14, 2004[58], it was reported that the site is still contaminated with 'thousands' of metric tons of toxic chemicals, including benzene hexachloride and mercury, held in open containers or loose on the ground. A sample of drinking water from a well near the site had levels of contamination 500 times higher than the maximum limits recommended by the World Health Organization.[59] Some areas are reportedly so polluted that anyone entering the area for more than ten minutes is likely to lose consciousness.[citation needed] Rainfall causes run-off, polluting local wells and boreholes. Surveys of local residents, with a control population in a similarly poor area away from the plant, are reported to reveal higher levels of various diseases around the plant.[citation needed] [edit] Criticisms of clean-up operations Lack of political willpower has led to a stalemate on the issue of cleaning up the plant and its environs of hundreds of tonnes of toxic waste, which has been left untouched. Environmentalists have warned that the waste is a potential minefield in the heart of the city, and the resulting contamination may lead to decades of slow poisoning, and diseases affecting the nervous system, liver and kidneys in humans. According to activists, there are studies showing that the rates of cancer and other ailments are high in the region.[60] Activists have demanded that Dow clean up this toxic waste, and have pressed the government of India to demand more money from Dow. Carbide states that "after the incident, UCIL began clean-up work at the site under the direction of Indian central and state government authorities", which was continued after 1994 by the successor to UCIL, Eveready Industries, until 1998, when it was placed under the authority of the Madhya Pradesh Government.[41] Critics of the clean-up undertaken by Carbide, such as the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, claim that "several internal studies" by the corporation, which evidenced "severe contamination", were not made public; the Indian authorities were also refused access. They believe that Union Carbide "continued directing operations" in Bhopal until "at least 1995" through Hayaran, the U.S.-trained site manager, even after the sale of its UCIL stock. The successor, Eveready Industries, abruptly relinquished the site lease to one department of the State Government while being supervised by another department on an extensive clean up programme. The Madhya Pradesh authorities have announced that they will "pursue both Dow and Eveready" to conduct the clean-up as joint tortfeasors.[citation needed] The International Campaign view Carbide's sale of UCIL in 1994 as a strategy "to escape the Indian courts, who threatened Carbide's assets due to their non-appearance in the criminal case". The successor, Eveready Industries India, Limited (EIIL), ended its 99-year lease in 1998 and turned over control of the site to the state government of the Madhya Pradesh.[39] Currently, the Madhya Pradesh Government is trying to legally force Dow and EIIL to finance clean-up operations. As on 7th March 2009, Indian scientists of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)have decided to investigate the longterm health effects of the disaster. Also studies will be conducted to see if the toxic gases caused genetic disorders, low birth weight, growth and development disorders, congenital malformation and biological markers of MIC/toxic gas exposure.[61] [edit] Additional settlement funds hoax Bichlbaum as Finisterra on BBC News On December 3, 2004, the twentieth anniversary of the disaster, a man claiming to be a Dow representative named Jude Finisterra was interviewed on the BBC. He claimed that the company had agreed to clean up the site and compensate those harmed in the incident. (video) Immediately afterward, Dow's share price fell 4.2% in 23 minutes, for a loss of $2 billion in market value (The Yes Men). Dow quickly issued a statement saying that they had no employee by that name — that he was an impostor, not affiliated with Dow, and that his claims were a hoax. The BBC broadcast a correction and an apology. The statement was widely carried (Z-net). "Jude Finisterra" was actually Andy Bichlbaum, a member of the activist prankster group The Yes Men. In 2002, The Yes Men issued a phony press release explaining why Dow refused to take responsibility for the disaster and started up a website, DowEthics.com, designed to look like the Dow website but give what they felt was a more accurate cast on the events. In 2004, a producer for BBC News emailed them through the website requesting an interview, which they gladly obliged (The Yes Men). Taking credit for the prank in an interview on Democracy Now!, Bichlbaum explains how his fake name was derived: "Jude is the patron saint of impossible causes and Finisterra means the end of the Earth". He explained that he settled on this approach (taking responsibility) because it would show people precisely how Dow could help the situation as well as likely garnering major media attention in the US, which had largely ignored the disaster's anniversaries, when Dow attempted to correct the statement (Democracy Now!). After the original interview was revealed as a hoax, Bichlbaum appeared in a follow-up interview on the United Kingdom's Channel 4 news (video). During the interview he was repeatedly asked if he had considered the emotions and reaction of the people of Bhopal when producing the hoax. According to the interviewer, "there were many people in tears" upon having learned of the hoax. Each time, Bichlbaum said that, in comparison, what distress he had caused the people was minimal to that for which Dow was responsible. [edit] See also Lake Nyos, a natural disaster involving carbon dioxide. Bhopal: Prayer for Rain, upcoming film based on the Bhopal disaster. [62]==Notes== 1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs Eckerman (2001). 2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf Eckerman (2004). 3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Chouhan et al. (1994, 2005). 4. ^ "Bhopal - The world's worst industrial disaster". Greenpeace. http://www.greenpeace.org/international/photosvideos/slideshows/bhopal-the-world-s-worst-ind. 5. ^ Simi Chakrabarti. "20th anniversary of world's worst industrial disaster". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2004/s1257352.htm. 6. ^ UCC manual (1976) 7. ^ UCC manual (1978) 8. ^ UCC manual (1979) 9. ^ Steven R. Weisman. "Bhopal a Year Later: An Eerie Silence". The New York Times. p. 5. 10. ^ a b c Kalelkar (1988) 11. ^ a b c Trade Union Report (1985) 12. ^ a b UCC Investigation Report (1985) 13. ^ a b Varadarajan (1985) 14. ^ Eckerman (2005). 15. ^ a b Bhopal Gas Disaster Research Centre (2003?) 16. ^ a b c d e f g h Eckerman (2006). 17. ^ a b c d e f Kovel (2002). 18. ^ "Unproven Technology". 2002-11-14. http://www.bhopal.net/oldsite/unproventechnology.html. Retrieved on 2008-04-11. 19. ^ a b c Kurzman (1987). 20. ^ Cassels (1983) 21. ^ TED case 233 (1997) 22. ^ a b c d e f g h Lepowski (1994) 23. ^ Weir (1987) 24. ^ D'Silva (2006) 25. ^ a b Sriramachari (2004) 26. ^ Gassert TH, Dhara VR, (2005) 27. ^ Kulling & Lorin (1987) 28. ^ P.G. Blake and S. Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Kinetics and Mechanism of Thermal Decomposition of Methyl Isocyanate, International Journal of Chemical Kinetics, vol.14, (1982), pp. 945–952 29. ^ K.H. Slotta, R. Tschesche, Berichte, vol.60, 1927, p.1031. HCN is also known to react with hydrochoric acid, ammonia, and methylamine (also produced in tank 610 during the vigorous reaction with water and choloroform) and also with itself under acidic conditions to form trimers of HCN called triazenes
Christoph Grundmann, Alfred Kreutzberger, J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 76, 1954, pp.5646-5650. None of the HCN-derived products were detected in the tank residue. 30. ^ Dhara & Dhara (2002) 31. ^ Singh (2008) 32. ^ a b "Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department". 2008-12-05. http://www.mp.gov.in/bgtrrdmp/. 33. ^ Bhopal Memorial Hospital closed indefinitely The Hindu 4.7.2005 34. ^ Bhopal Memorial Hospital Trust(2001) 35. ^ Sick Berth Down to Earth (26.10.2008) 36. ^ "The Bhopal Medical appeal". Sambhavna Trust. http://www.bhopal.org.htm. 37. ^ a b UCC (1989) 38. ^ "Carbide waste to go: HC". 16 December 2008. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Carbide_waste_to_go_HC/articleshow/3847412.cms. Retrieved on 2009-01-07. 39. ^ a b c "Statement of Union Carbide Corporation Regarding the Bhopal Tragedy". Bhopal Information Center, UCC. http://www.bhopal.com/ucs.htm. 40. ^ a b c d "Frequently Asked Questions". Bhopal Information Center, UCC. http://www.bhopal.com/faq.htm. 41. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Chronology". Bhopal Information Center, UCC. November 2006. http://www.bhopal.com/chrono.htm. 42. ^ a b "Incident Response and Settlement". Bhopal Information Center,UCC. http://www.bhopal.com/irs.htm. 43. ^ "Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Fact Sheet". Hindustan Times. Dec 3, 2004. 44. ^ Broughton (2005) 45. ^ a b "India Acts in Carbide Case". The New York Times. May 17, 1988. p. D15. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE0D71F3CF934A25756C0A96E948260. 46. ^ "Carbide Criminal found". 2002-08-29. http://www.greenpeace.or