Bhopal Gas Tragedy: MP govt sets new panel to probe accident

New Delhi, Aug 11: After 27 years, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of world's worst industrial disasters, has once again come into light when Madhya Pradesh's BJP government on Tuesday, Aug 9 set up a probe commission to investigate the various aspects of the fatal accident that has jeopardised the lives of many in Bhopal till date.

The commission will be headed by a retired HC judge, SL Kochar. The notification set up by MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan describes the incident as “grave manmade chemical disaster in the world in human memory".

The notification states that the enquiry commission will examine the “role of the state administration and others in the arrest, release and providing safe passage to Warren Anderson (UCC chief), leading to his ascension (sic)".

The committee would investigate basic issues whether the UCC plant was set up in compliance of strict regulations, was it equipped with adequate safety measures and did it take safety measures in disposal of the hazardous waste.

Reacting to such a step by the state govt, many noted lawyers and advocates presented their thoughts. Popular Lawyer Colin Gonsalves said: “It"s bordering stupidity. The BJP has been in power in power for many years but it hasn"t taken care of the victims. It had contested their claims too."

Meanwhile, senior advocate PP Rao said, “It"s better late than never." Nothing prevents a state from setting up a commission to inquire into an incident that it considers being grave in nature, he added.

OneIndia News