Context:
40 years of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy:
- Occurred on 3rd December 1984
- Reason – Highly toxic Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL).
- It was India’s 1st major Chemical (industrial) disaster.
- Public Liability Insurance Act (1991) was enacted after the incident to provide compensation for victims of industrial disasters.
Initiatives taken to tackle Chemical accidents:
- NDMA Guidelines on Chemical Disaster Management – National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued guidelines to improve chemical disaster management.
- This include inspection systems by regulatory bodies and establishing information networking systems with states and districts.
- Explosives Act, 1884 – This act controls the manufacture, possession, use, transportation, and importation of explosives to prevent accidents.
- Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness, and Response) Rules, 1996 – These rules provide a framework for emergency planning, preparedness, and response to chemical accidents.
- Flexible Framework for Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness (CAPP) – Developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this framework guides national governments in strengthening policies and legislative frameworks to prevent chemical accidents.
- OECD Decision-Recommendation on Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness, and Response – Adopted in 2023, this ensures high standards and commitment to prevent, prepare for, and respond to chemical accidents to better protect people and the environment.
Methyl Isocyanate:
- A flammable, colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
- Reacts violently with water and is highly toxic when inhaled, ingested, or exposed to the skin
Indian Chemical Council | Chemical Weapon Convention – Gokulam Seek IAS Academy
Source: Hindustan Times
Previous Year Question
In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) pesticides in agriculture.
(b) preservatives in processed foods.
(c) fruit-ripening agents.
(d) moisturising agents in cosmetics.
Answer: (a)
