LESSONS FROM BHOPAL

We must learn lessons from Bhopal gas tragedy which was one of the world’s worst chemical disasters and revamp our safety law, particular for fixing criminal culpability of public officials at every level. In the present global industrial scenario for any industry to be successful, it is essential to inculcate safety culture, consciousness in health and environment aspects in each personnel or an organization. Especially in chemical industries, the significance of safety and health has been a vital in achieving productivity and an edge in the competitive world.

Till the Bhopal gas leak happened, little was known as to what chemical being made there could have effect on the people working in the factory. Had the safety measures been adopted in letter and spirit, the Bhopal gas tragedy could have been avoided. The gas leakage at UCIL is clear cut case of negligence and lack of responsible adherence to internal safety standards.

The violation of safety measures is evident from the fact that the UCIL authorities have not learned the lesson from this tragedy as even 25 years, they have not bother to remove the left over toxic waste which is still lying on the premises of the factory.

The law has to take its course as per the provisions and circumstantial evidence but we should learn a lesson from such worst incidents and check strict safety measures while inspecting the industrial units without compromising with the required safety norms, at any cost. There is also a need for stricter laws who violates the safety norms, to ensure so that such incidents do not happen again besides regular routine inspections of the safety equipments by the Safety Department.