Four decades after the catastrophic gas leak that devastated Bhopal, the recent removal of toxic waste from the Union Carbide plant marks a small yet significant step in addressing the lingering fallout of one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. However, this development highlights deeper systemic issues in environmental governance, cor porate accountability, and justice for victims that remain un resolved. The tragedy, which claimed thousands of lives and left countless others suffering from chronic illnesses, is not just a historical event but a living crisis.

Decades of in action allowed hazardous materials to seep into the soil and groundwater, impacting generations of people in surrounding areas. This week’s waste removal initiative, involving high-security transportation to an incineration facility, is long overdue. Yet, it raises critical questions about the ade quacy of such measures and the risks posed to new communities near the disposal site. This removal effort, while a symbolic step forward, barely scratches the surface of the larger environmental and social crisis, leaving countless families still grappling with the aftermath of contamination. The toxic remnants at the plant site are not merely local hazards; they represent a systemic failure to prioritise public health and environmental safety.

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Reports of contaminated groundwater in dozens of residential areas around the factory underscore the persistent danger. While authorities assure that modern incineration techniques will prevent further harm, past experiences and the scepticism of activists are valid concerns. Disposing of hazardous waste is a technical challenge that demands stringent oversight and transparency. Previous trials have reportedly caused environmental damage, eroding public trust. If the current disposal efforts are to succeed, they must be accompanied by rigorous monitoring and open communication with affected communities. The lack of accountability in the aftermath of the Bhopal disaster is glaring. Despite the scale of the tragedy, the compensation provided to victims was woefully inadequate, and the punitive measures against those responsible were disproportionately lenient. This injustice has compounded the trauma of survivors, many of whom continue to suffer from illnesses caused by the gas leak and subsequent environmental contamination.

Corporate accountability remains a critical issue. The settlement reached decades ago failed to hold the parent company sufficiently liable for the long-term impacts of the disaster. This sets a troubling precedent, where large corporations can evade full responsibility for the consequences of their actions. The Bhopal tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for stronger regulations, corporate accountability, and responsive governance. India must draw lessons from this disaster to implement robust safety standards and ensure that industries operate with greater environmental and social responsibility. As the nation moves forward, the focus must shift from damage control to comprehensive justice for victims and sustainable practices that prevent such tragedies. The scars of Bhopal will remain until these systemic issues are addressed. The ongoing efforts to remove toxic waste are but one step in a much longer journey towards healing, accountability, and prevention.