 |
|
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is one of the most horrific industrial disasters in history. On the night between 2 and 3 December 1984, tones of highly toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India killing thousands and condemning thousands more to chronic illness. 25 years on almost all issues related to the Tragedy from its causes to its fallout and legacy remain contentious. The site of the tragedy itself, the former Union Carbide site is still standing and the factory structure is fast disintegrating, faced with neglect and imminent destruction. The destruction of the factory finds support amongst those who perceive the factory precinct as a grim reminder of an unfortunate tragedy that Bhopal is best rid off. Despite these pressures the site remains a repository of history that remain undocumented and stories that are yet to be told.
This dilemma is the point of departure for the Bhopal Memorial Symposium and Workshop 2011.
|
|
|
| |
|
The significance of the Union Carbide disaster extends well beyond Bhopal. The conflict that 'Bhopal' embodies presents an opportunity to generate templates with which the various conflicts and challenges of the site can be negotiated. This can contribute to our greater understanding of issues relating to sites with marginalised and conflicting narratives. Conflicts in the contemporary past play an active role promoting a problem-oriented critique of practices in play when utilising revitalisation, re-adaptation and remembering makes critical and inclusive perspectives possible. This happens when memory processes and social structuring processes are given the possibility to participate in creative collaboration. Bhopal 2011 will explore importance of alternative interpretations and the role of cultural heritage as a democratic force.
|
|
| Copyright 2010 © Bhopal 2011. All rights reserved |
For Feedback or comments: contact Webmaster |
|
|
