This refers to the front-page report “No room for 3/12 in the algebra of tragedy and outrage” (Nov. 30) by Mahim Pratap Singh. The report and the story on India Inc’s role effectively take the sheen out of the corporates of India by pointing out their failure to bring those guilty of corporate “irresponsibility” before the court of law. Also, it is a shame on successive governments for they have utterly failed to execute the court warrants in the aftermath of the 1984 Bhopal disaster. It is a shame that the erstwhile chairman of Union Carbide is a free bird, perhaps writing his autobiography.
That governments thrive on the pittance thrown by corporates is glaringly evident. Kudos to The Hindu for publishing the articles.
V. Rajagopalan,
Chennai
The Bhopal gas disaster destroyed many lives in 1984. Even after 25 years, the people of Bhopal bear the scars of the tragedy. The victims of the biggest industrial accident are yet to receive complete succour. Bhopal is not only a disaster, but a corporate crime. After decades of court cases and investigations, though compensation has been paid to many of the victims, there is still a lingering sense of injustice. Though a compensation of nearly $470 million was awarded, it was undoubtedly a small amount considering the long-term health consequences of poisonous gas exposure and the large number of people affected. More than two decades of passiveness has taken its toll. Indirectly it led to massive unemployment, destitution and widespread psychological problems. The legacy of poison, trials and tears shows up in the form of corporate cover-ups, criminal negligence and acute political lapses.
T. Marx,
Puducherry
