Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation.
GS Paper 3 – Disasters & Disaster Management
Context
A recent explosion in a Dombivli chemical factory highlights the recurring problem of industrial accidents in India
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 4th July 2024
Factory accidents, a pointer to rusty inspection reform
In May 2024, a reactor explosion in a chemical factory in the Dombivli MIDC area resulted in the loss of lives, injuries to workers and residents, and damage to surrounding properties. This incident highlighted the ongoing issues with industrial safety and the inefficacy of the current inspection and regulation mechanisms.
Major Industrial Disasters in India
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
- The worst industrial disaster in history, caused by a gas leak from the Union Carbide pesticide plant.
- Over 3,700 immediate deaths.
- Thousands more suffered long-term health issues and disabilities.
- Chasnala Mining Disaster (1975)
- An explosion caused by methane gas in a coal mine, followed by a mine collapse.
- Approximately 700 miners died.
- Korba Chimney Collapse (2009)
- Collapse of a chimney under construction at a power plant.
- 45 workers killed.
- Mayapuri Radiological Incident (2010)
- Workers dismantled a radioactive research irradiator in a scrapyard without proper knowledge or equipment.
- Bombay Docks Explosion (1944)
- A cargo ship carrying explosives exploded in Mumbai harbor.
- Approximately 800 people killed and widespread damage to the docks and surrounding areas.
Consequences of Such Industrial and Chemical Accidents
- Loss of Life and Injuries: Industrial accidents result in numerous fatalities and serious injuries.
- Environmental Damage: Chemical leaks, explosions, and improper waste disposal can cause severe environmental damage (air, water, and soil pollution).
- Economic Disruptions: The cost of repairing damage to facilities, compensating victims’ families, and treating injured workers can be substantial.
- A study by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that chemical accidents can decrease property values in surrounding areas by 5-7%, further impacting the local economy.
- Psychological Trauma: The trauma associated with industrial accidents can have long-lasting psychological effects on survivors, witnesses, and families of victims.
- Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common consequences.
- Loss of Public Trust: Frequent industrial accidents can erode public trust in regulatory bodies and industries. This can lead to public fear and resistance to new industrial projects.
Reasons for frequent Industrial disasters
- Lax safety standards: Some factories prioritize production over safety, neglecting proper inspections and certifications.
- Inadequate Inspections:
- Low Inspection Rates: For example, Maharashtra had inspection rates of 23.89% for hazardous factories and 8.04% for general factories in 2021.
- Staff Shortages: Insufficient number of inspectors; Maharashtra filled only 39.34% of sanctioned positions.
- Compliance Issues:
- Unregistered Equipment: Instances of crucial safety equipment, like boilers, being unregistered and unchecked. Eg. Bhopal gas tragedy due to faulty storage and lack of safety measures.
- Prosecution Inefficiency: Low prosecution rates dilute the deterrent effect of inspections.
- Institutional and Structural Problems
- Inspector Workload: Inspectors face an overwhelming number of factories to inspect annually, reducing the effectiveness of inspections.
- Corruption and Bribery: Accusations of inspectors demanding bribes and compromising safety standards.
- Employer Negligence: Instances of employers bypassing safety protocols through “understandings” with auditors and inspectors.
- Delayed relocation of hazardous facilities: Despite plans, states like Maharashtra has not relocated dangerous factories, keeping workers and residents at risk.
Reforms Needed
- Increase Inspection Coverage:
- More Inspectors: Fill all sanctioned inspector positions and consider increasing the number of positions to reduce individual workload.
- Regular and Random Inspections: Ensure that inspections are conducted regularly and randomly to prevent predictability and complacency.
- Improve Compliance and Monitoring:
- Digital Tracking Systems: Implement digital systems to track compliance and inspection status of factories.
- Transparency in Inspections: Publish inspection reports and compliance statuses online for public access.
- Comprehensive Training: Provide rigorous training for inspectors on the latest safety standards, technologies, and inspection techniques.
- Adequate Resources: Ensure inspectors have the necessary tools and resources to conduct thorough inspections.
- Stricter Penalties:
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Increase fines and penalties for factories found non-compliant with safety regulations.
- Accountability for Inspectors: Introduce penalties for inspectors found engaging in corrupt practices or negligence.
- Legislative Reforms: Update and strengthen existing labor and safety laws to reflect current industrial practices and technologies.
- Safety Training for Workers: Regular safety training programs for workers to educate them on best practices and emergency procedures.
- Safety Audits: Encourage third-party safety audits to provide an unbiased review of factory safety standards.
- Incentives for Compliance: Introduce incentives for factories that consistently comply with safety regulations and demonstrate best practices.
- Adopt ILO Guidelines: Align national safety regulations with the International Labour Organization’s Labour Inspection Convention (081) to ensure comprehensive and effective inspections.
- Global Best Practices: Study and adopt best practices from countries with exemplary industrial safety records.
Conclusion
The recurring industrial disasters in India underscore the need for robust regulatory reforms. A strong, ethical, and efficient labour inspection system, aligned with ILO conventions, is essential to prevent future tragedies and ensure a safe working and living environment for all.
Related PYQ
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2020]
Practice Question
Discuss the key issues contributing to industrial accidents in India. What reforms are needed to address these issues? [150 words]