Integrated rehabilitation centre for holistic recovery of Bhopal gas tragedy victims/

Abstract

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the most catastrophic industrial disasters in human history, left a legacy of long-term suffering that continues to unfold even four decades later. While immediate health impacts from the toxic gas release marked the first wave of devastation, a second, slower wave emerged through persistent contamination of water and soil. This thesis focuses on victims of this second wave—communities silently battling chronic exposure and environmental toxicity in the years following the initial disaster. Despite numerous interventions, existing rehabilitation efforts remain fragmented—offering isolated support systems that fail to address the deeply interwoven physical, social, and economic dimensions of long-term recovery. Through extensive research, this thesis identifies the urgent need for a unified, holistic approach—one that brings together diverse services under a single, adaptive framework. The project proposes an Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for the Holistic Recovery of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Victims, located in Arif Nagar, Bhopal. This area, home to various tight-knit working communities—such as kabadiwalas, daily wage laborers, autorickshaw drivers, and small-scale farmers—reflects the social fabric of survivors still bearing the brunt of environmental poisoning. Community cohesion and local identity form a critical axis for healing, demanding spaces that not only treat but empower and connect. The design draws from lessons learned through key case studies: Chingari Rehabilitation Centre and Sambhavna Trust Clinic for medical and therapeutic care; Vaghaldhara Vocational Training Centre for skill-building and economic resilience; and the Women's Opportunity Centre in Rwanda for its sensitive integration of communal healing and architectural storytelling. Together, they underscore the value of care, dignity, and self-sufficiency. Rooted in the concept of healing through layers and weaving community ties, the project includes medical rehabilitation, post-surgical care, vocational training, inclusive community gathering spaces, and a community-run marketplace. Each space is informed by participatory planning to stay attuned to evolving user needs. Rather than merely constructing buildings, this thesis aspires to build resilience, autonomy, and belonging—creating a replicable model of long-term post-disaster recovery that listens, adapts, and most importantly, heals from within. Keywords: Holistic Recovery, Post Disaster Victims, Social Recovery, Economic Recovery