Bhopal Gas Tragedy and Chemical Disasters in India

GS 3-Disaster Mangement

On December 3, 1984, a catastrophic leak of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas occurred at a pesticide plant operated by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL). Even after four decades, substantial amounts of toxic waste remain at the UCIL premises. This incident marked India’s first significant chemical (industrial) disaster.

Other Chemical Disasters in India

• Ammonia Gas Leak in Chennai (2024): Resulted from damage to a gas pipeline caused by Cyclone Michaung.
• Vizag Gas Leak (2020): Involved the release of styrene gas at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam.
• Tughlakabad Gas Leak (2017): A chemical known as chloro methylpyridine, used in pesticide production, leaked from a container.

Causes of Chemical Disasters

• Failures in safety systems and processes due to human, technical, or management errors.
• Natural calamities causing indirect effects.
• Unsafe handling or disposal of hazardous waste.
• Sabotage through terrorist attacks or unrest.

Impacts of Chemical Disasters

• Health: Toxic chemical exposure may lead to respiratory issues, reproductive health complications, cancer, and genetic mutations.
• Environment: Contamination of soil, water, and air disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Crop Health: Harmful chemicals damage plant cells, hinder photosynthesis, and reduce agricultural productivity.
• Bioaccumulation: Toxins released into the environment can enter the food chain, leading to their accumulation in organisms.

About Methyl Isocyanate (MIC)
MIC is a volatile, colorless liquid that is highly flammable and can become explosive when mixed with air. It reacts with water, producing heat along with methylamine and carbon dioxide. Both its liquid and vapor forms are toxic upon inhalation, ingestion, or contact with the skin or eyes.

Measures to Address Chemical Accidents

• NDMA Guidelines on Chemical Disaster Management: Recommendations include regular inspections by regulatory authorities and establishing an information network connecting states and districts.
• Explosives Act, 1884: Regulates the manufacturing, possession, use, transportation, and import of explosives.
• Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness, and Response) Rules, 1996: Aimed at enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms for chemical disasters.