IN PHOTOS: 40 years later, Bhopal`s poisoned legacy still haunts its survivors

Updated On: 03 December, 2024 12:10 PM IST | Anisha Shrivastava

On the night of December 2, 1984, Bhopal experienced one of the worst industrial disasters in history when toxic gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide plant, killing thousands and poisoning half-a-million people. (PICS/PTI)   

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<div>Government estimates say 3,500 people died that day, Over 20,000 people have died since the night of the disaster. Activists believe the actual toll is much higher, pointing to continuing health effects. </div>
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Government estimates say 3,500 people died that day, Over 20,000 people have died since the night of the disaster. Activists believe the actual toll is much higher, pointing to continuing health effects.

<p>Survivors continue to suffer from chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and birth defects. Thousands of children born after the disaster also suffer congenital disabilities believed to be linked to parental exposure to the gas.</p>

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Survivors continue to suffer from chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and birth defects. Thousands of children born after the disaster also suffer congenital disabilities believed to be linked to parental exposure to the gas.

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Laxman Singh, 72-year-old, is hardly able to speak and work after being exposed to the toxic gas during the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy,

<p>A woman with her child, born with congenital disabilities, believed to be caused by the child`s grandparents` exposure to gas leakage during the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.</p>

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A woman with her child, born with congenital disabilities, believed to be caused by the child`s grandparents` exposure to gas leakage during the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

<p>Children born with congenital disabilities with their parents and relatives during a candlelight vigil to pay tributes to the people killed in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy on the 40th anniversary of the disaster, in Bhopal on Sunday</p>

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Children born with congenital disabilities with their parents and relatives during a candlelight vigil to pay tributes to the people killed in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy on the 40th anniversary of the disaster, in Bhopal on Sunday

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A damaged storage tank lies at the now shut down Union Carbide factory, the site of the toxic gas leak

<p>The abandoned Union Carbide factory remains a toxic site, with hazardous chemicals still contaminating the soil and water around it, causing ongoing health risks for residents.</p>

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The abandoned Union Carbide factory remains a toxic site, with hazardous chemicals still contaminating the soil and water around it, causing ongoing health risks for residents.

<div>On the 40th anniversary, survivors, children born with disabilities, and supporters held a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and keep the memory of the tragedy alive.</div>
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On the 40th anniversary, survivors, children born with disabilities, and supporters held a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and keep the memory of the tragedy alive.

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IN PHOTOS: 40 years later, Bhopal`s poisoned legacy still haunts its survivors

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