Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)

Washington : A resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Bhopal gas disaster and expressing Congress’ commitment to working with the Indian government to ensure that Union Carbide is held responsible for its actions was introduced in the House of Representatives on Sept. 30.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, who introduced the resolution, said, “The Bhopal disaster is widely regarded as the worst peacetime environmental catastrophe in world history.

“This important resolution expresses our commitment to work with the Indian government and others to ensure that Union Carbide provides environmental and medical rehabilitation in Bhopal and is held responsible for its actions.

“India is the largest democratic country in the world and enjoys a close and mutual friendship with the United States based on common values and common interests.

“As a result, our countries should come together to recognize the gravity of the Bhopal disaster and the ongoing environmental problems in Bhopal caused by Union Carbide’s policies and practices.”

The resolution, (H. Con. Res. 503), expresses Congress’ commitment to working with the government of India, Dow Chemical Corporation, and the victims of the Bhopal gas disaster to ensure that Union Carbide provides complete medical, social and economic rehabilitation to the victims and their families.

The resolution also calls upon Union Carbide to completely restore the polluted plant site into a habitable condition, fully remediate the drinking water supply, and to appear before the Bhopal District Court for prosecution on the criminal charges pending against it. December 2, 2004, marks the 20th anniversary of the Union Carbide gas leak that killed more than 20,000 people in Bhopal. According to the victims’ rights groups, over 150,000 people continue to suffer the aftereffects of the disaster, including reproductive complications, loss of ability to perform physical labor, rare cancers and severe respiratory problems.

Residents of Bhopal are still faced with polluted groundwater, toxic waste and contaminated soil and their concerns are yet to be addressed.

Pallone is a leading advocate in Congress on behalf of Bhopal victims’ rights and worked closely with the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal in drafting the resolution. He has hosted several briefings for Congressional members and staff, including a briefing with Bhopal survivors and victims’ advocates.

Last year, Pallone, along with eight of his colleagues, submitted a legal amicus brief to U.S. Court of Appeals on behalf of victims, urging that Dow Chemical be held responsible for the disaster. The judge in the case ruled in favor of the victims in the appeal.