Archbishop welcomes new Bhopal package

(December 6, 2010) An Indian archbishop has praised the nation’s government for demanding an enhanced compensation package for victims of the world’s worst industrial disaster 26 years ago. After the government petitioned India’s Supreme Court to increase the amount for the victims from $470 million to $1.32 billion, Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal welcomed the move as “a highly appreciative step.” The petition came on the eve of the 26th anniversary of the disaster that struck Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh state, on Dec. 2-3, 1984. Some 40 tons of poisonous methyl isocyanate leaked out of the Union Carbide plant killing 5,295 people immediately and more than 25,000 since then. It also left some 560,000 people partially or fully disabled. Church and human rights groups say people continue to die from water, soil and environment contamination caused by the toxic waste in the now defunct factory. Archbishop Cornelio said his “great concern” is to see the issue settled “once and for all rather than let it linger on for political gains.” The prelate, who heads the Catholic Church in the state, suggested the government use the current opportunity to ensure justice for the victims. Meanwhile on Dec. 3, Christians joined others in Bhopal to offer special prayers and light candles to pay tributes to the victims. They also offered candles to passersby encouraging them to pay homage. Next day, a Christian group, mostly the members of an ecumenical forum, joined a social forum to distribute saplings for planting to reduce environment pollution.