‘Gulam Dastagir’ Station Master: Unforgotten Hero   

One of the world’s biggest man-made industrial disasters unfolded on the night of December 3rd, 1984, in Bhopal, India. A deadly gas leak from the Union Carbide factory engulfed the Bhopal city, killing thousands and injuring many more.

Amidst the chaos and panic, one man acted swiftly and bravely to save lives. Gulam Dastagir, the deputy station superintendent at Bhopal Junction railway station. He was preparing charts in his room when he stepped out to check on a train and felt a burning sensation in his eyes and throat. Gulam Sir realized something was terribly wrong when he saw people running and gasping for air. He quickly alerted the nearby stations to stop all trains from coming to Bhopal, and ordered the Gorakhpur-Mumbai Express, which was already at the station, to leave 20 minutes ahead of schedule. He also helped the locals who were choking at the Bhopal Junction. Gulam Dastagir broke protocols and risked his career, but his decision saved many lives. Sadly, he lost his son after the tragedy and suffered from health problems later. He may not have a memorial in his name, but he is an unsung hero of that fateful night.

Bhopal gas tragedy 1984:

A toxic cloud of methyl isocyanate (MIC) engulfed the shantytowns near the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, on the night of December 2, 1984. The plant was producing Sevin, a pesticide that required MIC as an ingredient. However, due to faulty safety systems and a corroded pipe, a massive amount of MIC escaped into the atmosphere, causing a horrific disaster. Over 600,000 people were exposed to the deadly gas, and thousands died within days or fled the city in panic. The exact death toll remains disputed, with estimates ranging from 3,500 to 25,000.

Union Cribide India Limited

Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) is a chemical company, founded in 1934 and employing around 9,000 people. It was a joint venture between the US-based Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation (UCC), which held 50.9% of the shares, and Indian investors, including the government and its banks, which owned 49.1%. Warren Anderson was the former CEO of Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation (UCC).

A deadly gas Methyl isocyanate (MIC) leak at a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, in 1984 claimed the lives of thousands and left many more with chronic illnesses. The plant, owned by UCIL, a major chemical company with revenues of ₹2 billion (US$170 million at the time), was one of the largest producers of pesticides in the country.