MP to provide all health facilities to gas tragedy victims

While issuing directive to this effect at a departmental meeting yesterday, Bhopal Gas Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Babulal Gaur also asked for schemes to be chalked out for the health, economic, social and environmental and rehabilitation of the 1984 gas leak-affected persons, an official release issued here today said.

The meeting was held to discuss the possibilities of making Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Relief and Rehabilitation a permanent department, the release said.

During the meeting, in-principle consent was given for an expenditure of about Rs 10 crore towards creation of 476 new posts in the state Gas Relief Department.

It was informed at the meeting that the department's jurisdiction is restricted to Bhopal Municipal Corporation limits.

At present, 36 out of 56 wards in the city have been declared as gas-affected. Residents of remaining 20 wards were also given compensation based on the health damages suffered due to gas leak.

A total of 634 beds are available in six major hospitals established to ensure medical rehabilitation of the persons suffering from long-term affects of Bhopal gas tragedy, the release added.