Ananova:

The abandoned site of the world's worst industrial disaster is to open as a tourist attraction in India next week.

The move has infuriated the families and victims from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, where thousands died in a gas leak.

"This is utter nonsense. The plant symbolises death. Only retarded people would think of organising such a show," said writer Indra Sinha who campaigns for compensation for victims.

But organiser Raman Singh said: "We want people to come and visit the plant and have a look for themselves."

The plant, which has remained closed to the public since the disaster happened 25 years ago, will open its doors for one week.

Gas tragedy minister Babulal Gaur said: "The government hopes that allowing people to visit the site would satisfy their curiosity and remove misconceptions that things at the plant have been kept under wraps.

"I have visited the site numerous times and handled the waste on several occasions. There's nothing to worry about.

"In any case, birds and animals are breathing the same air without coming to harm. Moreover, people live in the close vicinity of the plant."