Answer all the questions

Each question carries 2.5 marks

1. Bhopal gas tragedy, was a chemical accident at the Union Carbide India Limited
(UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. People who were exposed
are still suffering as a result of the gas leak’s long-term health impacts. Discuss in
detail the Bhopal gas tragedy: the world's worst industrial disaster.
2. The world was struggling due to COVID 19 outbreaks and lock-down misery. Whilst
the nation was engaged in fighting corona viral concerns, India saw a horrific gas leak
in LG polymer production near Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam (Vizag gas leak).
Describe in detail how and why the accident took place and who was liable.
3. Assam is situated in the easternmost part of India. Geographically it is at the foothills
of the Himalayas. Every year Assam experiences a huge amount of losses due to
devastating floods caused by the river Brahmaputra. Discuss in detail the 2022 flood:
the worst in the living memory of the people.
4. Following a major earthquake, a 15-meter tsunami disabled the power supply and
cooling of three Fukushima Daiichi reactors, causing a nuclear accident beginning on
11 March 2011. The accident was rated level 7 on the International Nuclear and
Radiological Event Scale, due to high radioactive releases. Discuss the Fukushima
nuclear disaster: Causes and problems.
 ANSWERS

A1.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy: A Legacy of Loss and Long-Term Struggle

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred on the night of December 2nd, 1984, stands as a grim
reminder of the catastrophic potential of industrial negligence. At the Union Carbide India
Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, a leak of Methyl Isocyanate
(MIC), a highly toxic gas, unleashed a wave of death and despair that continues to impact lives
today.

The Night of the Leak:

The events leading up to the disaster were a confluence of cost-cutting measures and lax safety
protocols. The UCIL plant, which had been plagued with malfunctions and safety concerns for
years, witnessed a series of equipment failures on the fateful night. A leaking valve and a non-
functional refrigeration system designed to keep MIC cool created a pressure build-up within a
storage tank. This ultimately resulted in the catastrophic release of 40-45 tons of MIC gas into
the atmosphere.

Immediate Devastation and Panic:

The dense cloud of MIC gas settled over nearby densely populated neighborhoods. People
awoke to a searing irritation in their eyes and lungs, followed by coughing, vomiting, and a
struggle to breathe. Panic ensued as residents fled the city in a desperate bid to escape the
invisible killer. Hospitals were overwhelmed with the sick and dying, many succumbing to
respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, and other MIC-induced complications.

Lingering Scars: A Multigenerational Crisis:

The Bhopal disaster's repercussions continue to haunt generations. While the official figures
report over 2,259 immediate deaths, estimates suggest a much higher toll, potentially reaching
20,000 over the years. Survivors grapple with a multitude of long-term health issues. Exposure
to MIC caused chronic respiratory problems, including asthma and fibrosis, which make even
basic tasks like walking a challenge. Many suffered eye damage leading to partial or complete
blindness. Birth defects, neurological disorders, and various forms of cancer are a constant
threat for those exposed in the womb or during their childhood.

Contaminated Legacy: Environmental Concerns:

The environmental impact of the disaster adds another layer of complexity. The UCIL plant site
remains contaminated, with toxic waste continuing to seep into the groundwater. This not only
affects the health of residents living in the vicinity but also contaminates the soil and water
sources, impacting agricultural activities, a crucial source of livelihood for many.

The Fight for Justice: A Long and Winding Road:

The legal battle for justice for the victims of the Bhopal disaster has been a long and arduous
one. Union Carbide, which has since been acquired by Dow Chemical, has been accused of
prioritizing profits over safety and downplaying the severity of the leak. The company has faced
criticism for its inadequate safety measures and its attempts to evade responsibility for the
disaster.

While some compensation has been awarded to victims, activists continue to fight for adequate
healthcare for survivors, proper environmental remediation of the contaminated site, and
ensuring that such a catastrophe never befalls any community again.

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of
corporate negligence and the importance of robust safety regulations in industrial settings. The
fight for justice and environmental remediation continues, highlighting the long shadow this
disaster casts on the lives of those affected.
 A2.

The Vizag Gas Leak: A Shadow Amidst a Pandemic

In the midst of the global struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns
in 2020, India was struck by another disaster – the Vizag gas leak. This industrial accident, which
occurred on May 7th, 2020, at the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra
Pradesh, exposed thousands to toxic gas and highlighted the dangers of lax safety protocols.

The Cause of the Catastrophe:

The accident is believed to have stemmed from a combination of factors:

 Neglected Storage: A storage tank containing styrene monomer, a hazardous chemical

used in plastic production, had been left unattended for months due to the COVID-19
lockdown.
 Temperature Issues: With the plant shut down, the refrigeration system responsible for
maintaining the cool temperature required for safe styrene storage malfunctioned. This
led to a rise in temperature within the tank.
 Valve Failure: The increased temperature likely caused pressure to build up within the
tank, eventually leading to a valve malfunction and the subsequent leak.
The Fallout of the Leak:

The leaked styrene gas formed a dense vapor cloud that spread over a radius of several
kilometers, engulfing nearby villages. People awoke to a burning sensation in their eyes and
respiratory problems. The immediate effects included:

 Respiratory Distress: Many victims experienced difficulty breathing, coughing, and

respiratory failure.
 Eye Irritation and Damage: Exposure to the gas caused burning sensations, blurred
vision, and in some cases, permanent blindness.
 Other Health Issues: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and potential long-term health
problems like cancer were also reported.
The Blame Game: A Question of Accountability
The question of who was liable for the Vizag gas leak ignited a debate:

 LG Polymers: The company operating the plant faced scrutiny for failing to properly
maintain the storage tank and refrigeration system, especially during the lockdown
period.
 Government Agencies: Concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of safety
inspections and regulations for industrial plants handling hazardous materials.
Aftermath and Impact:

The Vizag gas leak resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people and left over 1,000 suffering from
respiratory problems and other health complications. The long-term health impacts on the
exposed population are still being evaluated.

This incident exposed the vulnerability of communities living near industrial sites and the
potential for disaster when safety protocols are not rigorously followed. In the aftermath,
investigations were launched, and LG Polymers was ordered to pay compensation to the
victims. However, the scars of the leak continue to linger, serving as a reminder of the
importance of prioritizing safety in industrial practices.
 A3.
The 2022 Assam Floods: A Deluge of Devastation

Assam, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in northeastern India, faces a recurring
challenge – floods. The mighty Brahmaputra River, along with its tributaries, overflows its banks
during the monsoon season, causing widespread devastation. However, the 2022 floods were
unlike anything witnessed before, etching themselves into the collective memory of the people
as the worst they had ever experienced.

A Perfect Storm of Causes:

Several factors converged to create the catastrophic floods of 2022:

 Excessive Rainfall: Assam received an exceptionally high amount of rainfall, particularly

during the pre-monsoon months. This exceeded the average by a significant margin,
saturating the ground and leaving rivers brimming before the peak monsoon season
even arrived.
 Breached Embankments: Heavy rains caused existing embankments along the
Brahmaputra and its tributaries to breach in numerous locations. These embankments
are designed to control the flow of the rivers, but their failure allowed floodwaters to
inundate vast swathes of land.
 Drainage Issues: Assam's drainage system, already inadequate, was overwhelmed by
the sheer volume of water. This further exacerbated the flooding, leading to prolonged
submergence of towns and villages.
Unprecedented Devastation:

The 2022 floods wreaked havoc across Assam:

 Widespread Displacement: Over 3.1 million people were affected by the floods, forced
to flee their homes and seek refuge in relief camps or on higher ground.
 Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure were severely
damaged or destroyed, hindering rescue efforts and hampering the flow of essential
supplies.
  Loss of Life and Livelihoods: The floods tragically claimed over 150 lives. Agricultural
land was inundated, destroying crops and livestock, impacting the livelihoods of
countless families.
Silchar Submerged:

The situation in Silchar, Assam's second-largest city, was particularly dire. Breaching of a crucial
dyke on the Barak River led to the submergence of over 80% of the city. Residents who had
previously dealt with flash floods were unprepared for the sheer scale of this disaster.

Beyond Immediate Impacts:

The long-term consequences of the 2022 floods continue to unfold:

 Health Concerns: Contaminated water sources and lack of proper sanitation facilities
pose a significant risk of waterborne diseases and other health complications.
 Economic Hardship: The loss of crops and livestock has caused immense economic
hardship for many families. Rebuilding damaged homes and infrastructure will require
significant resources.
 Psychological Trauma: The experience of displacement, loss of property, and witnessing
devastation can leave lasting psychological scars on survivors.
A Call for Action:

The 2022 Assam floods serve as a stark reminder of the urgency for proactive measures:

 Strengthening Infrastructure: Investing in stronger embankments, improved drainage

systems, and robust early warning mechanisms is crucial.
 Climate Change Adaptation: As extreme weather events become more frequent due to
climate change, Assam needs to adapt its infrastructure and disaster management
strategies.
 Sustainable Development: Promoting sustainable land use practices and ensuring
responsible waste management can help mitigate the impact of future floods.
The 2022 Assam floods stand as a testament to the devastating power of nature and the
vulnerability of communities living in flood-prone areas. Rebuilding lives and infrastructure
requires a collective effort, alongside long-term planning to ensure such tragedies are not
repeated.
 A4.
The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: A Chain Reaction of Catastrophe

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, which began on March 11th, 2011, stands as a chilling
reminder of the potential dangers of nuclear power, especially when adequate safety measures
are not prioritized. A powerful earthquake and subsequent tsunami triggered a cascade of
events that resulted in the meltdown of multiple reactors and the release of radioactive
materials.

Causes of the Disaster:

 Natural Disaster Trigger: A massive earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale
struck Japan, triggering a 15-meter tsunami that slammed into the Fukushima Daiichi
power plant. This natural disaster was the initial spark that ignited the nuclear crisis.
 Inadequate Safety Measures: The tsunami surge disabled the power supply to the
plant, crippling the reactor cooling systems. Critics argue that the plant was not
designed to withstand such a powerful tsunami, highlighting a critical safety flaw.
 Backup System Failure: Emergency diesel generators, meant to provide backup power
for cooling in case of a power outage, were also knocked out by the tsunami. This
redundancy failure proved catastrophic.
 Nuclear Meltdown: Without sufficient cooling, the reactors overheated, leading to fuel
rod meltdowns in three reactors (Units 1, 2, and 3). This meltdown resulted in the
release of radioactive materials into the surrounding environment.
Problems and Long-Term Impacts:
 Radioactive Release: The meltdowns triggered explosions that damaged reactor
buildings and containment structures. This allowed radioactive materials like Cesium-
137 and Iodine-131 to be released into the atmosphere and contaminate surrounding
areas.
 Evacuations and Displacement: Fears of radiation exposure led to the evacuation of
hundreds of thousands of people living near the plant. Many have not been able to
return to their homes due to ongoing contamination concerns.
  Environmental Damage: Radioactive materials contaminated the surrounding air,
water, and soil. This has had a devastating impact on marine life, agriculture, and the
overall environment in the region.
 Health Concerns: The long-term health effects of radiation exposure on those affected
remain a major concern. Increased risks of cancer and other health complications are a
looming threat.
 Decommissioning Challenges: Decommissioning the damaged reactors is a complex and
time-consuming process. It is estimated to take decades to fully dismantle the plant and
ensure the safe storage of radioactive waste.
Lessons Learned:

The Fukushima disaster serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust safety measures
in nuclear power plants. It highlights the need for thorough assessments of potential natural
disasters and the implementation of backup systems that can withstand such threats.

The long-term effects of the disaster continue to be felt, raising questions about the viability of
nuclear power as a sustainable energy source. The debate regarding the risks and benefits of
nuclear energy has intensified, with the Fukushima disaster serving as a cautionary tale for the
entire world.