Raghu Rai’s Lens Kept Bhopal Gas Tragedy Truth Alive, Say Survivor Groups

Bhopal- Several organisations representing survivors of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy have paid tribute to renowned photojournalist Raghu Rai, stating that his powerful images ensured the reality of the disaster was never forgotten or suppressed.

Rai, widely regarded as one of India’s most influential photographers, passed away at the age of 83 in New Delhi on Sunday. Over the decades, his work chronicled defining moments in India’s modern history, but his coverage of the Bhopal disaster remains among the most impactful.

Activist groups said Rai’s photographs did more than document a single tragic event — they captured an enduring humanitarian crisis. From the immediate aftermath of the toxic gas leak to the long-term health consequences faced by survivors and their children, his work consistently highlighted the human cost and systemic neglect.

The disaster, caused by a gas leak at the Union Carbide plant in December 1984, resulted in thousands of deaths and left over half a million people affected. Survivors’ groups emphasised that Rai’s images played a crucial role in keeping global attention focused on issues of corporate responsibility and justice.

Members of multiple Bhopal-based organisations noted that Rai repeatedly returned to the city over the years, documenting not just the initial devastation but also the ongoing struggles of affected families. His photographs of children born with disabilities due to gas exposure became stark reminders of the tragedy’s lasting impact.

Activists also pointed out that his work helped link the suffering of victims to the accountability of corporations like Dow Chemical, preventing the issue from fading into obscurity.

Describing him as a committed ally of the Bhopal movement, the groups said his visual storytelling made it impossible to ignore the scale of the disaster and its aftermath. They extended condolences to his family, acknowledging his contribution to journalism and social justice.