Contamination of ground water in Bhopal due to Union Carbide gas tragedy

To

Ms. Neel Kamal Darbari

Joint Secretary

Bhopal Gas Cell

Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers

New Delhi

Subject- Contamination of ground water in Bhopal due to Union Carbide gas tragedy

Madam,

This is to draw your attention towards Supreme Court’s direction asking the central government to file a comprehensive affidavit on the "character and content" of reported contamination of ground water in Bhopal. It wanted to know the steps taken by the government in "ensuring that that uncontaminated water is available to the residents of the area in and around the Plant, and also as to the steps taken for decontamination of the ground water in the area".

I submit that while the State of Madhya Pradesh is supposed to file an affidavit on the supply of fresh drinking water to the areas in and contiguous to the Union Carbide Plant in Bhopal. The Hon’ble Court has directed, “In the affidavit to be filed by the State of M.P., details should be provided as to what steps have been taken by the City Engineer, Nagar Nigam, Bhopal, M.P., in ensuring that uncontaminated water is available to the residents of the area in and around the Plant, and also as to the steps taken for decontamination of the ground water in the area.”

The order reads: “The Central Pollution Control Board, which has been added as party to these proceedings, and is represented in Court today, shall also file a report with regard to the removal of contamination of the ground water in the area where the Union Carbide factory/plant is situated.” The order is attached.

In view of the above and in view of the fact that you are the focal point for issues related to Bhopal disaster, it would only be appropriate if Bhopal Cell can constitute a committee to examine the health impact of the chemical exposure from contaminated drinking water instead of waiting for the court’s directions for the same.

Thanking You

Yours faithfully
Gopal Krishna
ToxicsWatch Alliance
New Delhi-110016
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