The Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is considered one of the worst industrial disasters in history. It occurred on the night of 2-3 December 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Facts

• The Gas Leak
  • Around 40 tonnes of methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic gas, leaked from the UCIL plant.
  • MIC is lethal even at a concentration of 21 parts per million (ppm) in the air, causing death within minutes of inhalation.
• Immediate Impact
  • Thousands of people and animals died immediately due to exposure to the gas.
  • Survivors suffered from respiratory, neurological, and reproductive disorders, along with long-term health complications.
• Congenital Malformations
  • Babies born to women exposed to the gas were significantly more likely to have congenital malformations (birth defects).
  • These anomalies include structural and functional disorders that may manifest prenatally, at birth, or later in life.
• Response to the Disaster
  • The Supreme Court admitted a curative petition demanding higher compensation for victims.
  • Data on congenital defects has strengthened the demand for increased compensation.

Government Response

• The Public Liability Insurance Act (1991) was enacted, mandating industries to maintain insurance to fund compensation in case of chemical disasters.
• The act also contributed to the creation of an Environment Relief Fund to support victims.

Ongoing Effects

• Nearly four decades later, the ill effects of the tragedy continue to affect the health and environment of the region.
• The event remains a grim reminder of the catastrophic consequences of negligence in industrial operations.