A group of ministers (GoM) on Thursday recommended that the ministry of extermal affairs may soon write to the US department of justice to press for the extradition of former Union Carbide Corporation chairman Warren M. Anderson, an accused in the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, from the US. It was however stressed that relevant documents may be provided by the CBI to build up a “firm” case for extradition to avoid any embarrassment to the government if the plea is rejected again. The GoM also decided to ask the CBI to file an application in the Madhya Pradesh high court on the issue of liability of Dow Chemicals for the mishap.
The move follows advice by Solicitor-General Gopal Subramanium to the government stating that the CBI file an application in the ongoing matter itself instead of filing a fresh case to charge Dow Chemicals, which bought UCC some years ago, for its liability in the mishap, sources said.
The GoM also asked the Madhya Pradesh government to release compensation to the victims of the tragedy who are yet to receive any money from the government by June 30. At the GoM meet, chaired by home minister P. Chidamabaram, it was stressed that the government fast track its efforts to bring amendments in relevant acts in order to avoid the recurrence of such disasters in future. These include changes in the Environment Protection Act and the Indian Law of Torts to deal with similar mishaps in future.
The GoM also mulled various options of the possible sites for disposal of toxic waste. An option to seek the help of the DRDO to dispose of the toxic waste was discussed by the GoM, sources said. It may be recalled that there have been protests from local residents against disposal of toxic waste.
“The GoM asked Madhya Pradesh government to release compensation by June to those victims who are yet to receive any money,” Madhya Pradesh minister for relief and rehabilitation Babulal Gaur said.
The GoM also gave an in-principle approval to the state government’s plea to construct a memorial at the site.