On behalf of the survivors of the December 1984 Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal we are sending you this urgent appeal for support.

As you may know, the disaster in Bhopal continues till today. At least one-fifth of the half a million people exposed continue to suffer from chronic multi organ illnesses. Tens of thousands of young people exposed at infancy or in their mother's wombs, show retarded physical growth and mental development. Unusually large number of young women suffers from menstrual irregularities and menopause below the age of 35 years. Tuberculosis, other infectious diseases and cancers are rising alarmingly among the exposed population. Tens of thousands of families with breadwinners too sick to continue earning a livelihood are on the brink of starvation.

The groundwater and soil in the vicinity of the abandoned pesticide factory have been found to be severely contaminated with chemicals recklessly dumped by Union Carbide. Over 5000 families are routinely forced to drink water laced with carcinogenic and other toxic chemicals. The number of people killed as a result of exposure to Carbide's gases has risen to over 20, 000

While its victims continue to die painful deaths and suffer debilitating diseases, it is 'business as usual' with Union Carbide. For the last nine years the corporation and its former chairman, prime accused, Warren Anderson are absconding criminal charges of manslaughter, grievous assault and other serious offenses. In May this year the Indian government sent an official request for extradition of Anderson to the Government of USA but there has been no response from US officials so far.

On February 6, 2001 in the face of opposition by survivors organizations and their supporters, the corporation Union Carbide became a wholly owned subsidiary of Midland, Michigan based The Dow Chemical Company.

As you are aware the disaster in Bhopal was caused as a result of Union Carbide's double standards with respect to the design, operation and safety of the Bhopal plant in comparison to its sister plant in USA. Dow is pursuing a similar policy with regard to its business in India. Following mounting evidence of Dursban's brain damaging effects Dow has withdrawn this leading brand of insecticide from residential and commercial use in the USA last year. Yet in India Dow continues to import, produce and distribute this chemical.

We hold Dow responsible for the pending liabilities of Union Carbide in Bhopal.

We demand that Dow must:

1. Face Trial: Ensure that prime accused Warren Anderson, former chairman of Union Carbide ceases absconding from criminal justice in India and the authorized representatives of the company [Dow-Union Carbide] face trial in the Bhopal criminal court.

2. Provide long term health care: Assume responsibility for the continuing and long term health consequences among the exposed persons and potentially their future generations. This includes medical care, health monitoring and necessary research studies. The company must provide all information on the leaked gases and their medical consequences.

2. Clean up the poison: Remove the contamination of the ground water and soil in and around the abandoned Union Carbide factory in Bhopal. Provide for supply of safe drinking water to the community.

3. Provide Economic and social support : The corporation must provide income opportunities to victims who can not pursue their usual trade as a result of exposure induced illnesses and income support to families rendered destitute due to death or incapacitation of the breadwinner of the family.

Looking forward to your response and to your solidarity.

Yours truly,

Rashida Bi,
President
Champa Devi Shukla,
Secretary
Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmachari Sangh