There are some 8,000-9,000 tonnes of toxic wastes dumped in the premises of the plant which are awaiting disposal. These are said to be the source of chemical contamination of the groundwater in the area.

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) stopped supply of water through 96 tanks in 14 localities after people complained of health problems. The residents were soon offered another option: supply of water from a nearby location in Raslakhedi village, also the site of a major sewage canal.

However, a report of the State Pollution Control Board says this water is not suitable for drinking according to the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) specifications.

Image: An Indian victim of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy wears a mask and shouts anti-government and anti-Union Carbide slogans during a protest in New Delhi | Photograph: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images