Padayatra taken for Bhopal survivors

Padayatra taken for Bhopal survivors

Human rights, environmental and youth groups in the city Thursday took out a rally in support of the survivors of the December 1984 Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal. The groups are on an 800-km padayatra to New Delhi demanding justice and a life of dignity.

Representatives from pollution-hit communities in Mettur, Cuddalore and Gummidipoondi also participated in the Chennai rally from Monroe Statue to Chepauk Guest House.

A delegation of supporters from Tamilnadu will join them in the last stage of the padayatra.

More than 130 survivors of the Bhopal gas disaster began a march on foot to New Delhi on 20 February, 2006.

The walk was undertaken to demand clean water, clean environment, medical assistance and compensation.

On 10 March, members of Chennai-based youth collective 'We Feel Responsible' met the Tamilnadu Governor and handed over a petition addressed to the Prime Minister with signatures collected in support of the demands of the Bhopalis, Nityanand Jayaraman of Corporate Accountability Desk said.

Representatives from Human Rights - Tamilnadu Initiative, Penn Thozhilalar Sangam, Corporate Accountability Desk, Tamilnadu Dalit Women's Movement, Alliance for People's Movement, Tamilnadu Women's Forum, We Feel Responsible - A Youth Initiative and other organisation took part.