Bhopal is well known for its historical records, artificial lakes, and greenery but most of all, the city has reminisced across the globe for the inferior industrial catastrophe of the world.
It has been 33 years since Bhopal witnessed one of the largest industrial mishaps in the world. Post-midnight on December 3, 1984, 40 tonnes of methyl isocyanate (MIC) discharged from a tank at the Union Carbide Corporation (UCC). MIC is used for begetting carbamate pesticides, which are used in gardens and for agricultural purposes as well.
As per official records, the Bhopal gas tragedy became the reason for 3,787 untimely departure souls. According to an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court by the Centre on October 26, 2006, said that more than 5.5 lakh people were afflicted that included approximately 3900 severely and permanently. As per organizations, at least 20,000 have died over the years.
How did it take place?
The leakage of the MIC had reported on the midnight of December 2, in Union Carbide (now known as Dow Chemicals). The incident was befallen at the Plant Number C of the Union Carbide.
As the cool morning breeze picked up the pace, it started mix-up with the MIC and form a fatal mixture. As the poisonous mixture inhaled by the people, the death toll of human lives increased consequently. According to the officials, this malignant mixture snatched 3000 lives within one hour of the leakage.
It is assessed that about 40 tonnes of MIC gas and other chemicals leaked from Union Carbide factory. MIC is tremendously toxic, If MIC concentration in air reach 21 PPM (parts per million) can cause a death within a minute of inhaling it.
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What was the reason behind the leakage of MIC?
As per official record, MIC got mixed with water which used cooling for the plant. The mixture led to expanding the volume of gas and which put tremendous pressure on Tank Number 610.
The tank was uncovered due to the huge amount of pressure and the poisonous gas was diffused over
Post leakage scene
In 1984, Bhopal had the population about 8.5 lakhs and more than half of them were conflicting with coughing, itching in the eyes, skin and breathing problem. The leakage caused internal hemorrhage, pneumonia, and deaths. The villages and slums in the vicinity of the factory were vastly affected.
The emergency alarm system of the factory didn’t respond for hours. No alarm was raised by the factory management. Suddenly thousands of people commenced running towards hospitals on the morning of December 3.
Thirty-three years have been passed but victims of this mishap still struggling with his life. Many women are still there who couldn’t feel eternity love of motherhood. The catastrophe still has effects on third generation and some child born with disabilities.
