Bhopal: A Continuing Tragedy >> About Bhopal

About Bhopal

         Bhopal is the capital city of one of the states in India called Madhya-Pradesh. It became the capital in 1956, after India's freedom in 1947. Also known as the "City of Lakes," and previously known as Bhoj Pal (named after the king Bhoj, and the Sanskrit word for water dam, "pal"). After the gas tragedy of 1984, the city was majorly affected. The city's economy is heavily reliant upon the markets of jewelry, electrical goods, cotton, and chemicals, however the gas leak terminated most of the Bhopali's tolerance for chemical industries. The most imminent trade of all is the art of handicraft. This includes the making of  intricately designed handmade Indian outfits, purses, linens cloths, and much more. Being a capital city, governmental jobs are also a big part of Bhopal. Although education is present in Bhopal, most of it is unattainable to the masses of under-privileged, or poor people, and therefore is the reason why such a large part of Bhopal's economy is dependant on jobs not needing of education. Most of Bhopal suffers from poor infrastructure, however the better parts of Bhopal, that have government offices, and commercial centers do have cement roads. Common means of transportation in Bhopal include mopeds, or as some call them, "scooters," rickshaws, bicycles, public transport, and some people even own cars.

Before/After Comparison

The gas tragedy impacted the people of Bhopal since it has happened. This compares their lives to how it was to how it is. Many things are different, yet still, a lot of things are the same since before, however, much more pronounced.

Daily Life in Bhopal

       Many people have become unemployed, and others are unable to work. As methyl isocyanate has left the people of Bhopal in a state of inability, their capability, and capacity to work has been greatly diminished. Both poor health, and economic instability have worsened Bhopal's citizens way of life. Those factors have led them to have daily struggles, such as finding jobs, getting medical care, and staying healthy.

"I complained that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."

Persian proverb