Today is the 36th anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy that took place on the night of December 2-3 in the year 1984. An accidental leak in the Union Carbide India Limited(UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, released methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas, which is a highly toxic and irritating material.
The final death toll was calculated to be between 15,000 and 20,000. About half a million survivors suffered respiratory problems, eye irritation or blindness and other disabilities from exposure to the toxic gas. Many were awarded compensation of a few hundred dollars.
Investigations later published that substandard operating and safety procedures at the understaffed plant had led to the catastrophe.
Till date, it is considered to be one of the world's deadliest industrial disasters. There were after effects, such as increased cases of cancer and birth defects, which were reported in years to come.
India marks National Pollution Control Day on December 2 in the honour of the people who lost their lives during the horrific 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. While the Bhopal Gas Tragedy was an alarming situation for India, the pollution level and the release of harmful substances in the environment has been increasing each year.