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Young World
Bhopal tragedy day
RAJESWARI NAMAGIRI
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In December 1984, a major tragedy in a chemical plant in Bhopal caused death and devastation so great that it is the biggest accident in industrial history.
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Photo: A.M. Faruqui
The Union Carbide factory in Bhopal: Close to human habitation.
December 2 marked the anniversary of India’s worst ever industrial disasters. In the early hours of December 3, 1984 in the city of Bhopal there was an accidental release of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) from a chemical plant located in the heart of the city. Thousands of people were killed and many more injured and crippled by the effect of this deadly chemical. This death and devastation remains unparallel in industrial history.
Burgeoning cities
Due to a number of reasons cities and towns are attracting more and more people. There is immense pressure for housing and other amenities for the increasing urban population. Human settlements are generally not permitted within the close vicinity of industries. Industrial estates in most cities, when established were located in the outskirts far from human habitation. Increasingly, areas around industries are being occupied by people flouting all rules. Many of the estates have now become very much a part of the city, and seem to be in the heart of the city.
Disasters, whether natural or otherwise are waiting to happen and human habitation in such sensitive zones only aggravates matters. The Bhopal tragedy has taught us many lessons, but we need to be alert to them so that such a disaster may not happen again.
Children's Media Unit, for Environment Education. http://www.kidsrgreen.org/
Act Now
One of the reasons why industrial accidents turn into disasters is due to the lack of information and awareness on how to act in the face of an accident. It is important that all citizens whether in schools, colleges, households, or businesses know about the possible threats from industrial establishments around them.
Find out about the possible dangers due to gas leaks, blasts, air/water contamination from industries around your area. Encourage and ensure that industries put up warning information to build awareness of the communities residing close by.
It also helps to understand the symbols associated with danger and safety are commonly used on vehicles, factory and industry premises, petrol pumps, and places for storing chemicals, etc. It is important to notice these carefully, understand what they are communicating and follow instructions carefully.
Highly Flammable : Chemicals that may catch fire in contact with air, only need brief contact with an ignition source, have a very low flash point or evolve highly flammable gases in contact with water.
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