Bhopal, Nov 10 (IANS) It has been shut for the past 25 years - since that night when poisonous fumes rose from its premises and spread over a sleeping city, killing thousands and maiming thousands more for life. Now, the Union Carbide factory premises will be opened for people for seven days on the 25th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in December.
The tragedy occurred when tonnes of Methyl Iso Cyanate and other lethal gases spewed out of the Union Carbide Corporation’s pesticide plant here on the intervening night of Dec 2-3, 1984.

“The plant is being opened to help people get rid of the apprehension and misconception that the chemical wastes lying in the factory are still harmful and are polluting the ground water of the nearby localities,” Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Babulal Gaur said in a statement Tuesday.

The minister also inspected the plant along with officials of the Gas Relief and Rehabilitation department Monday.

Gaur said: “By visiting the site people will be able to see for themselves that the government is not hiding anything from them. The chemical waste is confined to a room and it is not polluting water in the area. Hence, it would ensure transparency.”

An exhibition would also be held at the site to inform people of the welfare activities and other measures taken by the government for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims.

The factory has been shut since the tragedy, following an apex court order. Union Carbide Corporation was later bought by Dow chemicals.