Union Carbide agrees to pay $470 million to the Indian government for damages it caused in the 1984 Bhopal disaster.

The Bhopal disaster, which occurred on December 2-3, 1984, is considered one of the world’s worst industrial catastrophes. It took place at a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) in Bhopal, India. A large amount of methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic chemical used in the production of pesticides, was released from the plant, exposing over 500,000 people to toxic gases.

The disaster resulted in the immediate deaths of thousands of people and the long-term health effects impacted hundreds of thousands more. The exact death toll remains disputed, with estimates ranging from a few thousand to over 20,000. Additionally, many survivors suffered from chronic health issues, and subsequent generations continue to face health complications due to exposure to the toxic gases.

In the aftermath of the disaster, there were legal battles and demands for compensation. In 1989, Union Carbide reached a settlement with the Indian government for $470 million. This settlement amount was widely criticized as insufficient to cover the immense damages and the ongoing medical needs of the survivors.

The Bhopal disaster prompted discussions worldwide about industrial safety standards, corporate responsibility, and the need for better regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The legal and ethical implications of the disaster and the subsequent handling by Union Carbide and the Indian government continue to be subjects of debate and scrutiny.