Industrial Chemical disasters

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

1. Recent case of styrene gas leak in Vishakapatnam

Question 2

Legal provisions related to industrial disasters

Answer 2

1. EPA, 1986
2. Factories act, 1987
3. Hazardous waste management rules, 1989
4. Chemical accident rules, 1996
5. Public liability insurance act, 1991
6. MC Mehta case - Enterprise owes an absolute and non delabale duty to the community

Question 3

Reasons for such disasters -

Answer 3

1. Frequent license violations by industries
2. Corruption nexus involving industrialists, local officials and politicians
3. Skip training and skill development of employees on handling hazardous wastes.

Question 4

NDM Plan 2019 -

Answer 4

Pre disaster -
1. Understanding the risk - Zoning/ mapping of industrial zones, Studies on vulnerabilities and capacities
2. Inter agency cooperation for preparation and implementation of DM plans
3. Robust warnings, information and dissemination mechanisms
4. Investing in disaster risk reduction - Structural measures
* Shelters, evacuation and support facilities
* Multiple routes for reliable access and escape
* Decontamination facilities
* Adhering to chemical storage safety standards

DRR - non structural measures
* Formulating and strengthening rules, norms and laws to reduce likelihood of disasters
* Review land Use norms to ensure buffer zones without human settlements in close proximity of hazardous industries
* Empower factory inspectorates to take strict legal action

During disaster
Post disaster