GoM on Bhopal gas tragedy to discuss site clean-up today

NEW DELHI - The reconstituted Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Home Minister P Chidambaram will meet for the third consecutive day on Sunday to discuss environmental issues and the clean up of the toxic waste affected site in Bhopal.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh will be making a presentation on the issue before the group.

The GoM is expected to recommend that the Centre approach the Supreme Court against the dilution of charges against Union Carbide.

It is also likely to recommend seeking the extradition of the then Chairman of Union Carbide, Warren Anderson and file a petition to make Dow chemicals liable.

The GoM is also considering recommending the enhancement of punishment for those responsible for the Bhopal tragedy.

On Saturday the GoM has discussed the legal implications behind reopening the case against Union carbide and the sort of health care provisions, which need to be provided to the victims

The GoM in its first meeting on Friday deliberated on presentations made by the ministries of Steel, Fertilizers and Chemicals.

During Friday’s deliberations, it was felt that in government’s eyes, Warren Anderson was still a proclaimed offender and the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 (Part II) was still there.

The GoM is due to submit its recommendations to Prime Minister Dr Manhmohan Singh on Monday. (ANI)