Curated By: Nibandh Vinod
Last Updated: December 02, 2023, 06:55 IST
Bhopal gas tragedy occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. (Image: Shutterstock)
The Bhopal gas tragedy, recognized as one of the world’s most devastating industrial disasters, unfolded on the night of December 2-3, 1984. The day is marked every year as National Pollution Control Day.
The Bhopal gas tragedy, recognized as one of the world’s most devastating industrial disasters, unfolded on the night of December 2-3, 1984. The incident, which occurred at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in the loss of numerous innocent lives and inflicted severe health complications on countless others. The day is marked every year as National Pollution Control Day.
HUMAN TOLL AND INJURIES
Official records state that the tragedy claimed 3,787 lives, surpassing the initial estimate of 2,259. As per a 2006 affidavit, the government reported a staggering 4,58,125 injuries, comprising 38,478 temporary partial injuries and approximately 3,900 severely and permanently disabling injuries.
THE NIGHT OF HORROR: MIC LEAKAGE UNLEASHED
Around midnight, a chemical reaction initiated within the UCIL pesticide plant, leading to the release of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas. More than half a million people were exposed to this toxic gas as it leaked from one of the factory’s storage tanks, transforming the city into a nightmarish gas chamber.
MIC LEAKAGE MECHANISM
The UCIL plant had three underground 68,000-liter liquid MIC storage tanks. The leak, originating from Plant Number C, involved the release of MIC gas mixed with water for cooling. Intense pressure on the tank resulted in the release of tons of toxic MIC gas, primarily emanating from tank E610.
SPREAD OF POISON: A CITY IN CRISIS
Approximately 40 tonnes of MIC gas escaped into the atmosphere within two hours, causing widespread devastation. The highly toxic nature of MIC, exceeding permissible concentrations, led to pulmonary issues, lung edema, emphysema, hemorrhages, bronchial pneumonia, and tragically, death.
AFTERMATH: BHOPAL GRAPPLES WITH UNSEEN CONSEQUENCES
Following the gas’s infiltration into Bhopal, the city’s residents experienced coughing, eye and skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. Internal hemorrhages, pneumonia, and death were reported, with those in close proximity to the gas plant suffering the most.
INEFFECTIVE WARNING SYSTEMS
The severity of the situation heightened due to the failure of UCIL’s alarm system, leaving the population unaware and unprepared. Hospitals were inundated with people complaining of various health issues, and the lack of medical facilities exacerbated the crisis.
LINGERING EFFECTS ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
The toxic gas profoundly affected internal organs, leading to widespread health issues. Streets were littered with unattended bodies, plants turned black from the toxic air, and the fertility of both humans and animals suffered, leaving a lasting impact on the city of Bhopal.
