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. The headlines faded, and the victims' kin, having received cash from the man's family, are considering dropping charges. The storm in October affected 18 million people, more than half the state's population. But the Indian government turned down a United Nations offer for an international fund-raiser. Indian pride wouldn't allow it.