Prevention Gas leaks are quite hazardous to the health of an individual and the environment. Even a small leak can be highly disastrous. Recently, Andhra Pradesh encountered a gas leak at the LG Polymers factory in Vizag which impacted the place adversely. This tragic event took place on 7th May and cost eleven people their lives. Furthermore, it jeopardized the future of more than 2000 villagers residing in the five neighboring villages. The company claims that it was the leakage of a deadly styrene monomer gas which was suspected first on Thursday morning when the company returned to work after lockdown. Prevention On the very same day, one more tragedy in the industrial sector took place at the NLC India thermal power plant. A boiler due to the high pressure exploded and led to serious injuries to two workmen who suffered burns and six contract workers who were comparatively less affected.
No, the list doesn’t end here as a few days back one Prevention more gas leak was found at a paper mill in Raigarh exposing 7 people from whom 3 are hospitalized in a critical situation. It is so melancholic to see three industrial mishaps occurring within the starting of the month of May and there are innumerable cases of such incidents occurring in the past as well. Bhopal Gas Tragedy is the most serious one yet shook the entire nation and many people are still suffering from the aftermath. This concern requires a greater deal of urgency as the industrial units must be regulated properly and held accountable for such mishaps. After the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the judiciary took active participation in formulating laws to prevent the Prevention horrifying consequences of such accidents but their reassessment still remains vital.
Some of these laws include –
1. The Factories Act, 1948
It is an act to consolidate and amend the Prevention law regulating labor in factories. This act was further amended again in 1987 and it put emphasis on the safety and health provisions of the workers. It extends to the full country and came into force on 1st April 1949. It also laid special provisions for women and the young workforce. The penalties of this include imprisonment which can extend up to one year or fine of up to one lakh rupees or both.
2. The Environment Act 1986
It is an act to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment. It mentions procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents Prevention which may cause environmental pollution and remedial measures for such accidents. It also included investigation of manufacturing processes, materials, and substances as are likely to cause environmental pollution.
3. The Public Liabilities Insurance Act, 1991
It is an act to provide for public liability insurance for the purpose Prevention of providing immediate relief to the persons affected by accident occurring while handling any hazardous substance and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It includes punishments such as imprisonment and fine. It gives the power of giving directions, prohibiting hazardous substance use or electricity to Prevention the central government.
4. The Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act, 1985
It is an act to confer certain powers on the Central Government to secure that Prevention claims arising out of, or connected with, the Bhopal gas leak disaster are dealt with speedily, effectively, equitably and to the best advantage of the claimants and for matters incidental thereto.
5. The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997
An Act to provide for the establishment of a Prevention National Environment Appellate Authority to hear appeals with respect to restriction of areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to Prevention certain safeguards under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
