02-12-2024
11:30 AM
2nd and 3rd December mark the 40th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which is considered the worst industrial disaster in history that occurred in the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This event left a lasting imprint on public health, the environment, and industrial safety practices, moreover killed thousands of peopke instantly and left lasting scars on survivors, future generations, and the environment.
The Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) owned by the Indian subsidiary of the American firm union carbide corporation was established in 1969 and the primary objective was to produce the pesticide named Sevin, with the brand name for carbaryl. The production process involved the use of methyl isocyanate (MIC) as an intermediary. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984 took place on December 2nd, 1984 where around 40 tons of MIC gas leaked into the atmosphere over several hours. People woke up coughing, choking, and experiencing severe burns and irritation in their eyes and lungs.
In just a few hours hundreds of people died, many people tried to cross the border of Bhopal. This incidence left people with many health diseases, respiratory issues, maladies and blindness resulting from exposure to toxic gas. The Indian government began relief operations and declared the area a disaster zone. The government provided monetary aid to the victims.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy is considered the world’s worst industrial disaster due to the loss of human lives, environmental, and economic losses. That incident was caused due to technical failures, managerial negligence, and systemic issues. Below we have mentioned the factors that led to the disaster:
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy was the most disturbing incident impacting thousands of lives and causing widespread damage to the environment and local infrastructure. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy Impacts are mentioned below to have a brief insight.
The Government of India responses to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy evolved over time, including immediate relief measures, legal actions, and long-term policy changes. Check out the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Government Responses which are appreciated and criticised by the people.
Q1. What is the Bhopal Gas Tragedy?
Ans. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred on December 3, 1984, when gas named methyl isocyanate leaked, killing thousands in Bhopal.
Q2. How many people died in the Bhopal disaster?
Ans. The Bhopal disaster affected thousands of people due to poisonous gas leakage, contaminating land and water for years, harming health.
Q3. What was the amount of methyl isocyanate leaked from the Bhopal gas tragedy?
Ans. Around 40-45 leaks of methyl isocyanate occurred from an insecticide plant between 2 and 2:30 a.m., affecting over 500,000 people.
Q4. Which Company was Involved in the Disaster?
Ans. The Union Carbide Company, which was a major pesticide manufacturer, was involved in the disaster.
Q5. Which Laws were introduced post the Disaster?
Ans. Environment Protection Act, 1986, Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
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