Bhopal tragedy v/s London Olympics: Dow sponsorship on dock

London, Aug 8: A new controversy has been emerged over Dow Chemical Company's sponsorship for the London Olympics 2012 as the company was being blamed for the deadly 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

The campaigners, who are fighting for almost 5,000 victims of the devastating chemical leak tragedy, started protesting the decision of London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games.

The committee recently announced that Dow Chemical would fund a "spectacular" seven million pounds artwork "wrap" around the stadium throughout next year's Games.

Union Carbide Corporation, whose Indian subsidiary was believed as the main culprit behind the 1984 disaster, was later bought by Dow Chemical.

The controversy surfaced over the compensation for the family members of the deceased and other victims of the Bhopal gas calamity.

Dow Chemical earlier had claimed that compensation of USD 470 million delivered by Union Carbide in 1989 was final and the company also refused to pay more or to clear toxic waste from the site in Bhopal.

Rachna Dhingra, a spokeswoman of the protesting committee said, "By dealing with a corporation like Dow, which has the blood of Bhopal on its hands, the reputation of the London Games and its legacy will be tarnished."

Meanwhile, Greenpeace spokesman, Arundhati Muthu also claimed, "This crass attempt by Dow to detoxify their brand won't wash with the thousands of victims of the Bhopal disaster, nor ordinary Londoners."

OneIndia News