Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984, Causes, Deaths, Impacts

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.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984

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 Causes

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:

1. Union Carbide plant in Bhopal was not designed to handle hazardous chemicals like MIC. Multiple tanks were connected, increasing the risk of leaks. Only a single scrubber was installed to neutralize leaking MIC gas, which was inadequate for the quantity stored.
2. The refrigeration system had been shut down to cut costs, and the flare tower was out of service.
3. The plant was functional without adequate safety measures and measures to take in the emergency.
4. Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) prioritized profit over safety. Audits and maintenance schedules were neglected to minimize expenses.
5. The plant stored large quantities of MIC, exceeding safety limits which increased the risk of a sudden and total failure that is impossible to recover from.

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Bhopal Gas Tragedy Impacts

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.

1. Within the first few hours, thousands of people lost their lives due to direct exposure to the toxic gas. Victims experienced choking, acute respiratory failure which led to sudden death.
2. Tens of thousands suffered from health issues, including, Respiratory problems, Chemical burns on exposed skin, Eye damage, permanent blindness.
3. Bhopal’s hospitals were unequipped to handle the sudden increase of patients. Doctors lacked knowledge about treating MIC poisoning, resulting in delayed or inappropriate medical interventions.
4. The leaked gas, along with other toxic chemicals at the plant, polluted the soil and groundwater. The water sources became contaminated, affecting the health of people and animals who relied on them.
5. Local industries and livelihoods were disrupted as businesses shut down, many victims were unable to return to work, resulting in poverty.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy Government Responses

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.

1. The government declared Bhopal a disaster zone immediately after the tragedy. Evacuation for the victims were initiated. Temporary shelters were set up for displaced residents. Authorities began investigating the incident, focusing on the cause of the leak and the role of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL).
2. The Indian government passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985. In 1989, the government negotiated a $470 million settlement with Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) which was criticised as insufficient according to the losses from the tragedy.
3. The Bhopal disaster initiated significant changes in India’s regulatory framework for environmental and industrial safety:

• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Gave the government powers to protect and improve the environment.
• Amendments to the Factories Act, 1948: Introduced stricter safety provisions for industries handling hazardous materials.
• Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991: Ensured quick compensation for victims of industrial accidents without lengthy cases.