National Pollution Control Day 2016 observed in India

National Pollution Control Day 2016 observed in India, The National Pollution Control Day 2016 was observed on 2 December 2016 in India with an aim to make aware the people and industries about the need of Pollution Control Acts. This day is observed every year to give honour to thousands of human beings who lost their lives in 1984 due to the Bhopal gas tragedy and who were left severely

affected

due to leakage of poisonous gas from Union Carbide plant in Bhopal.

This catastrophe was the worst in the world's industrial history and people there still continue to witness physical and mental disabilities. 

About Bhopal gas tragedy

Bhopal gas tragedy happened in the night of 2 December to 3 December 1984 due to the discharge of the poisonous chemical Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) and other chemicals that released from Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Due to leakage, more than 500000 people were exposed to the poisonous gas of MIC and around 2259 died immediately. Later, it was declared by Madhya Pradesh government around 25000 people died because of the gas-related diseases.

However, toxic waste lying in the obsolete plant of Union Carbide has still not been disposed off.

Background

In an attempt to prevent pollution, the Union Government has continuously been charting out various laws, rules and acts. National Pollution Control Board (NPCB) is the main governing body that conducts checks on industries to know whether they are following environmental regulations or not.

Moreover, efforts have also been made at the world stage. Recently in November 2016, the Paris agreement on climate change entered into force marking the first time that governments have agreed to control global temperature rises.