That keeps the rich and poor both psychologically and socially complacent. Some see a failure of the revolution that should have come with India's independence in 1947. Land reform was compromised, and basic education and health for the poor were neglected. India has always viewed its masses as liabilities rather than assets, choosing to ignore the achievements of populous, yet economically vibrant, countries like Japan and China. India was shocked, and the government took a tough stance against Carbide in demanding compensation.
Activists estimate that thousands have succumbed since the initial wave of deaths.
Thousands of people are ill and receiving indifferent treatment. Hospitals were built, but never opened. Meanwhile, the local government recently proposed building an amusement park on the site of the factory. Nobody cares for the 'hypochondriacs' now. Bhopal is an example of the most systematic erasure of a disaster from the consciousness of a nation.