Bhopal: A Continuing Tragedy >> Effects >> Economic Effects

Economic Effects

Introduction

         Most effects caused by the gas tragedy in Bhopal affected people's health and well being, but the disaster also indirectly upset the economic balance of the whole area. Because of damaged health, most inhabitants of Bhopal are completely incapable of working for any decent amount of money.

Limits and Capabilities

          As a result of the gas leak, seventy-five percent of Bhopali citizens are unable to work for more than a few hours at a time. After working, they become so fatigued, or sick that they are unable to work for days afterward. Only 6.8% of the population can work for any longer than that. A few people were so impacted by the gas that they cannot even get out of bed, much less do hard work, or labor, which pertains to most of the available jobs in Bhopal limited.

Unemployment and Its Effect On Bhopal's Economy

          As so many poor Bhopali citizens are unemployed, this results in a limited income for most families. Being unable to do work with their restricted qualifications, such as limited education, their already narrow career opportunities become even more limited because of the side-effects of the gas, such as recurring fatigue. Because those citizens have so few jobs to choose from, and the jobs available to them offer such little income, their amount to spend is quite restricted as well. The people in Bhopal are so poor that their purchasing power is very limited, making the marketing industry a poor place for money to be earned. In the concept, "supply vs. demand" the demand is very low, driving the suppliers out of business, therefore lowering the supply too. In turn, this lowers the economy of Bhopal. Also, because the poor people of Bhopal cannot afford anything, or work much, they cannot afford to send their children to school, or buy any clean water, making in turn their children uneducated, and with very low stamina- preventing the children too from earning much money either, and therefore in a cycle preventing the grandchildren from receiving much of an income either when they are older.

Corruption

          The main result of the inability to work in most Bhopali citizens is that people move in to take advantage of the dismal conditions in order to obtain riches. For example, people who are unable to work very much need to take loans. Many people have become money lenders in the city, and some charge up to 200% interest. People have no choice but to agree to the terms, because they are so desperate for money. Many of the other jobs which require hard work are also taken by people not originally from the area, as the citizens' inability to work creates job opportunities for those outside of Bhopal. The government has endeavored to help, but unfortunately, only about 5% of the population has gained employment by the government's efforts.

"If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can't buy.”

-English proverb