New Delhi: As many as 166 cases of Bhopal gas tragedy were still to be disposed and the Centre has released Rs 193.5 crore to Madhya Pradesh government for a five-year plan for rehabilitation of the victims, Lok Sabha was informed on December 17.

Of a total 10,29,431 cases filed by the claimants, 10,29,265 cases had been disposed of at the end of October 2002 by the Welfare Commissioner under the Bhopal Gas Leak (Processing of Claims) Act, Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister S S Dhindsa said during Question Hour.

He said as per the Supreme Court order, the Union Carbide Corporation had paid a sum of 470 million USD to the Centre as compensation in full settlement of all civil claims, rights and liabilities arising out of the gas leak disaster. This amount was earmarked for payment of compensation.

The Centre had approved a five-year action plan for medical, economic, social and environmental rehabilitation of victims with an outlay of Rs 258 crore, he said, adding the outlay was to be shared by the Centre and the state government on a 75:25 ratio.

The Centre, Dhindsa said, has already released its entire share of Rs 193.50 crore, he added.

PTI