Why in news
An ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, triggered panic among residents.
Such chemical incidents highlight the recurring challenges of industrial safety and disaster preparedness in India.
Ammonia & its Industrial Applications
Ammonia (NH₃) is a colorless gas with a sharp smell, widely used in industry and naturally found in the environment and human body.
It is produced by the Haber-Bosch process (N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃) under high temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst.
Its concentrated form is corrosive and can cause burns or explode under high heat. It is stored as a compressed liquid.
It is highly water-soluble and forms ammonium hydroxide in contact with water.
It has 9 times the energy density of Li-ion batteries and 3 times that of compressed hydrogen, making it a promising carbon-free energy carrier.
What are Industrial & Chemical Disasters?
Industrial Disaster
An industrial disaster is a significant accident at an industrial site that results in extensive damage, injuries, or fatalities.
It can result from various causes, including chemical, mechanical, civil, or electrical processes, as well as accidents, negligence, or incompetence.
Types: Chemical disasters, Explosions, Mining disasters, Falling objects, Radiological incidents.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India reported 130 significant chemical accidents, resulting in 259 deaths and 563 major injuries over the last decade.
Chemical Disaster
Chemical disasters are a type of industrial disaster involving the accidental release of hazardous chemicals, leading to mass casualties, long-term environmental damage, and socio-economic disruptions.
They may result from industrial accidents, improper handling or storage of chemicals, or failure of safety systems.
Notable Examples:
Chennai Ammonia Leak (2024): Caused by a pipeline damaged during Cyclone Michaung.
Vizag Gas Leak (2020): Styrene gas leak at LG Polymers, Visakhapatnam.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): Methyl isocyanate leak from Union Carbide, causing mass casualty.
What Measures can India Adopt to Reduce the Vulnerability of Chemical Disasters?
Risk Mapping and Hazard Zonation:
Conduct GIS-based hazard mapping of all Major Accident Hazard (MAH) units to identify vulnerable zones and mandate the creation of safety buffer zones, especially in densely populated industrial areas.
This aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), ensuring safer urban planning and reduced health risks.
Institutional and Policy Reforms:
Strengthen NDMA’s Chemical Disaster Management Guidelines through periodic review and alignment with global standards.
Establish specialized institutions at national and state levels for training, planning, and integrating chemical disaster response into District and State Disaster Management Plans.
Effective Enforcement:
Enforce laws like the Factories Act, EP Act, The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals (MSIHC) Rules, 1989 and Public Liability Insurance (PLI) Act with stringent penalties for violations.
Ensure the presence of Emergency Response Centres (ERCs) integrated with police, fire, SDRF/NDRF, and health services, and mandate off-site emergency plans supervised by district authorities.
Technological Surveillance:
Deploy real-time monitoring, early warning systems, and surveillance mechanisms for chemical storage, handling, and transport.
Promote industry-wide adoption of Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP) and Hazard Analysis (HAZAN) to ensure early identification and mitigation of potential risks.
Incentives Support:
To incentivise safety improvements, financial aid like tax breaks or subsidies can be offered for upgrading infrastructure and adopting new technologies.
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