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8/7/2019 Bhopal - Final Presentation

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BHOPAL

GAS

TRAGEDY


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This report is prepared by Abhijit Chaki A2

Anukool Rastogi A8

Sooraj Arur A9

Swapnil Bhoir A15

Shivam Dave A26

Neeraj Gangrade A32

Vishal Janani A42

Dipesh Kale A45

Mrugank Mehta A55

Abhishek Pawar Alpha12

Amrish Sawe Alpha32

Sudhanshu Nirbhavne Alpha48

Suman Sandhu Alpha49

Meghshyam Thakre Alpha54


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HISTORY

In the 1970s, the Indian government initiatedpolicies to encourage foreign companies to

invest in local industry.

Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) was asked tobuild a plant for the manufacture of Sevin, a

pesticide commonly used throughout Asia

In 1984, the plant was manufacturing Sevin at onequarter of its production capacity due to

decreased demand for pesticides


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HISTORY

At 11.00 PM on December 2 1984, while most of theone million residents of Bhopal slept, an operator at theplant noticed a small leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC)gas and increasing pressure inside a storage tank

The vent-gas scrubber, a safety device designer to

neutralize toxic discharge from the MIC system, hadbeen turned off three weeks prior.

Apparently a faulty valve had allowed one ton of waterfor cleaning internal pipes to mix with forty tons of

MIC. around 1.00 AM, December 3, loud rumbling

reverberated around the plant as a safety valve gaveway sending a plume of MIC gas into the earlymorning air.


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HISTORY

Within hours, the streets of Bhopal were litteredwith human corpses and the carcasses of

buffaloes, cows, dogs and birds.

An estimated 3,800 people died immediately,mostly in the poor slum colony adjacent to the

UCC plant

It became one of the worst chemical disasters inhistory and the name Bhopal became

synonymous with industrial catastrophe.


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HISTORYEarly effects (06 months)

Ocular Chemosis, redness, watering, ulcers, photophobia

Respiratory Distress, pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, pneumothorax.

Gastrointestinal Persistent diarrhea, anorexia, persistent abdominal pain.

Genetic Increased chromosomal abnormalities.

Psychological Neuroses, anxiety states, adjustment reactions

Neurobehavioral Impaired audio and visual memory, impaired vigilance attention andresponse time, Impaired reasoning and spatial ability,impaired psychomotor coordination.

Late effects (6 months onwards)

Ocular Persistent watering, corneal opacities, chronic conjunctivitisRespiratory Obstructive and restrictive airway disease, decreased lung function.

Reproductive Increased pregnancy loss, increased infant mortality, decreasedplacental/fetal weight

Genetic Increased chromosomal abnormalities

Neurobehavioral Impaired associate learning, motor speed, precision


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Union Carbide side of story


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In 1984, Union Carbide reported sales of $9.5billion, reflecting its position as one of the

largest industrial companies in the United States

and the world. In 1984, Union Carbide India Limited was

celebrating its 50th anniversary. UCIL had sales

of about $200 million annually. It operated 14plants, and was organized into five operating

divisions with 9,000 employees.


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In the late 1960's, operations at Bhopal packaged thepesticide Sevin, which was then considered as anenvironmentally-preferred alternative to DDT, aninsecticide now restricted by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency. The process, which reacted methyl isocyanate withanother compound, was considered the leadingtechnology for producing Sevin and another pesticide,

Temik. Ultimately, in the late 1970s those government

objectives led to the construction of a plant formanufacturing methyl isocyanate at Bhopal


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Responding to the Press The first press conference was relatively short.

In the weeks and months that followed, they

conducted half dozen news conferences inDanbury, some attended by as many as 100

reporters.

In the first months alone, stories about Bhopalin the New York Times carried 25 different by-

lines.


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Contingency Planning and Experience Help Union Carbide had a contingency plan for

emergencies

the quality and integrity of Union Carbidepeople

the diverse skills combined in the Bhopal crisis

team They also had more than a decade of experience

with methyl isocyanate without incident


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Myth vs. reality A very shaky basis for extrapolating casualty

estimates has been the number of Indianclaimants for damagesa number that has beenas high as 500,000

Television channels right after the disastershowed many people with bandaged eyes

Almost from the beginning, there have beenhorrendous speculations about the long-termimpact of the disaster


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Fall of Union Carbide The contemporary Union Carbide Corporation

is a different company from what it was at thetime of the Bhopal incident in 1984. It is asmaller company.

In 1992, its 75th anniversary year, the companyspun off its industrial gases division to

stockholders Gone are the metals, consumer products, and

other diverse businesses.


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POSSIBLE CAUSES

The post-accident analysis of the process showed thatthe accident started when a tank containing methyl

isocyanate (MIC) leaked .

It is presumed that the scientific reason for the accident

at Bhopal is that water entered the tank where about 40cubic meters of MIC was stored.

When water and MIC mixed, an exothermic chemical

reaction started, producing a lot of heat . . The reason was that the high moisture content

(aerosol) in the discharge when evaporating, gave rise

to a heavy gas which rapidly sank to the ground.


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Letter to all employeesAn Open Letter to All Employees, on the Tragedy in Bhopal, India 18 Years Ago

Note: This letter was posted for all Dow Employees on Dow's Intranet.

Midland, MI - November 28, 2002

Dear Colleagues,

December 3rd marks the 18th anniversary of the terrible tragedy that occurred in Bhopal, India. Itwas a tragedy of unprecedented proportions, and no one in industryespecially the chemicalindustryshould ever forget. Indeed, as I have said before, I can still recall the exact moment Iheard the news, and the profound sadness I felt. On December 3, I plan to spend a few quietmoments reflecting on the lessons of Bhopal. As I do so, I will also personally recommit toachieving excellence in Dows environment, health and safety performance, and continuing ourdrive toward Sustainable Development. I encourage every Dow employee to do the same. In caseyou are unfamiliar with what took place in Bhopal 18 years ago, heres a very brief summary:

* Shortly after midnight on December 3, 1984, methyl isocyanate gas (MIC) leaked from a storage

tank sited at a pesticide manufacturing facility in Bhopal.* As it leaked from the tank, the gas drifted across the neighbouring communities with devastatingconsequences. According to the Indian government, some 3,800 people died and thousands morewere injured as


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Letter contd a direct result of exposure to the lethal fumes. Without a doubt, the tragedy changed our industry

forever as companies across the globe collectively took on the moral responsibility to preventanything like it from ever happening again. Indeed, the horrific event in Bhopal was the drivingforce for the design and implementation of Responsible Care.

At the time of the disaster, the Bhopal plant was operated by Union Carbide India Limited(UCIL), a 51 percent affiliate of Union Carbide (Indian government financial institutions owned26 percent of the shares and some 24,000 private Indian citizens owned the balance.)

As you know, Dow acquired Union Carbides stock on February 6, 2001. And that is why, withthe anniversary of the Bhopal tragedy approaching, it is very likely that Dow will be the focus of

protests and demonstrations. In particular, we expect the environmental group Greenpeace tointensify their public campaign against us, strengthening their demand that Dow takeresponsibility for the tragedy. To provide some balance to the claims youll likely hear fromGreenpeace over the coming weeks, I wanted to reiterate Dows perspective on this issue. In theeyes of the highest courts of India, the Bhopal case is closed. In 1989 a settlement agreementwas reached between Union Carbide, Union Carbide India Limited and the Indian governmentthrough which Union Carbide paid $470 million in compensation, covering all claims relating tothe incident. In response to public concerns, the Indian Supreme Court reviewed this settlement

agreement and, in 1991, determined it should standconcluding that it was 'just, equitable andreasonable'. At that point the legal case was closed. So when Dow completed its acquisition ofUnion Carbide stock in February 2001, the subsidiary had no remaining liability for the tragedythat had occurred 16 years previously. The black-and-white legal case is


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Letter contdI regret for this distractionI realize it can be both disruptive and distressing

but I hope you can understand why we will not yield to this sort of pressure. Ialso hope you will not let this deter your pride in our company and all that itstands for. The products we produce benefit people around the world,improving their lives each and every day. Our commitment is clear. From ourfar-reaching and voluntary Environment, Health and Safety Goals for 2005 toour 12-point Implementation Plan for Sustainable Development, we at Dow

will continue to strive to achieve our vision of zero harm to the environment,to our people or to anyone we touch in the value chain. So, on December 3rd,take a moment, to reflect on the tragedy of Bhopal, and to recommit to doingyour part to moving our company ever closer to that vision of zero.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,Michael D. Parker

President and CEO

The Dow Chemical Company


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Chronological Events

1984Dec 3 The Bhopal Gas TragedyShortly after midnight, methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaks froma tank at the UCIL Bhopal plant. Approximately 3,800 peopledie and several thousand other individuals experience permanent

and partial disabilities.Dec 4 Immediate action

Word of the disaster is received at Union Carbide headquartersin Connecticut. Chairman and CEO Warren Anderson, alongwith a technical team, depart to India to assist the government in

dealing with the incident. Upon arrival, Anderson is placedunder house arrest and urged by the Indian government to leavethe country within 24 hours.


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Chronological Events1985

Feb Interim reliefUnion Carbide establishes fund for victims of the tragedythe (UCC) Employees'Bhopal Relief Fund, which collects more than $120,000.

UCC sends more medical equipment to Bhopal.

Mar Study LaunchedUCC launches disaster program to study effects of over-exposure to MIC.

Bhopal Gas Leak ActGovernment of India enacts the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act that enables theGovernment of India to act as the legal representative of the victims in claims arisingof or related to the Bhopal disaster.

Cause of the incident

UCC Technical team reports that a large volume of water was introduced in to theMIC tank and triggered a reaction that resulted in the gas release. Independently, acommittee of experts for the Indian government arrives at the sameconclusion.AprUnion Carbide offers $7 million interim reliefUCC offers $5 million in relief for victims before the U.S. District Court, bringingtotal to date to $7 million.


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Chronological EventsGovernment of India rejects Union Carbide relief

Government of India rejects UCC offers of aid for Bhopal victims.June Additional Aid

UCC funds participation of Indian medical experts in meetings to obtaininformation and the latest medical treatment techniques forvictims.JulyAdditional AnalysisCore samples confirm water triggered reaction that led to gas release.

1986Jan Union Carbide funds hospital

Union Carbide offers $10 million to the Indian government for building ahospital to aid the victims in Bhopal.

Mar Union Carbide proposes $350 million as settlement for victims andfamilies

Union Carbide proposes a settlement amount of $350 million that willgenerate a fund for Bhopal victims of between $500-600 million over 20years. Plaintiffs US attorneys endorse amount.

May Bhopal litigation transferred to IndiaU.S. District Court Judge transfers all Bhopal litigation to India. Decision isappealed.


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Jan U.S. Court of Appeals affirms transfer of litigation to IndiaThe court rules that UCIL is separate entity, owned, managed and operatedexclusively by Indian citizens in India.

Mar Government of India closes vocational technical centerThe Government of India closes and razes the Bhopal Technical andVocational Training Center built by Arizona State University after

determining that Union Carbide Corporation supplied funds for the project.Aug Union Carbide announces humanitarian relief

Union Carbide offers an additional $4.6 million in humanitarian interim relieffor immediate rehabilitation of Bhopal victims.

1988

JanDecLitigation in IndiaThroughout 1988, arguments and appeals before the Indian Courts took placeregarding compensation for the victims. In November, the Supreme Courtasks the Government and UCC to reach a settlement, telling both sides tostart with a clean slate.

May New evidence on causation


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Feb Final settlement at $470 millionUnion Carbide makes full payment

May Supreme Court of India renders opinionDec Government of India to act on behalf of victims

1990

JanDecSupreme Court of India proceedings aim to overturn settlementNov List of victims to be compensated preparedDecSupreme Court

Hearings concludeCourt concludes review of petitions seeking to overturn settlement.

1991

Oct Supreme Court confirms the settlement and closes legal proceedings

1992Apr Union Carbide sets up Trust fund1993Oct U.S. Supreme Court denies hearing on legal standing


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Apr Union Carbide to sell stake in Union Carbide IndiaLimited

Nov Union Carbide completes sale

Dec Union Carbide fulfills initial commitment

1995-1999Building of the Hospital charitable trust

2001

Hospital opens to public

2004

July Supreme Court of India orders release of extra settlementfunds to victims


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IMPLICATIONS OF THE TRAGEDY

HUMAN AND WILDLIFE

1. Following the disaster on December 2nd-3rd 1984, of the800,000 people living in Bhopal at the time, 2,000 diedimmediately.

2. Today, well over 120,000 chronically ill survivors are indesperate need of medical attention and an estimated 10 to 15people are dying every month from exposure-related illnesses.

3. About 7,000 animals were injured, of which about one thousandwere killed.

4. Apart from the physical disability inflicted on many, a largenumber of people lost their jobs as the Union Carbide factoryshut down its operations immediately after the disaster


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HAZARDOUS WASTESPeople living in the vicinity of the Union Carbide Ltd in

Bhopal are scared of the 'Hazardous Waste' lying in

the factory compound. There is a growth of high grass

and bushes in the compound, if it catches fire then the

toxic fumes and gases will be emitted out of the waste.


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GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION1.The ground water had high levels of theorganochlorine compounds like Chloroform,Chlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene,

etc.2.Long-term chronic exposure to mixtures of

toxic synthetic chemicals and heavy metalsis also likely to have serious consequences

for the health and survival of the localpopulation.


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SOIL CONTAMINATION1.High levels of chloroform and

dichloromethane rendered the land uselesswith regards to agriculture and also created

a host of health problems to the residents.2.The vegetables grown in the interior of a

residential area opposite to the front gate ofthe factory had the ability to absorb these

toxic chemicals and transfer to the nextlevel of a food chain, which may be eitherherbivore or an omnivore, like humanbeings.


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ORGANISATIONAL IMPACT1.Immediately after the disaster, UCC had to

close operations at UCIL.

2.UCC had to work hard to restore its taintedimage.

3.The incident didnt affect the world the wayit should have.


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LEGAL IMPLICATIONS1.In 1985, the government of India filed acivil suit against Union Carbide in FederalDistrict Court in New York City.

2. The Indian government filed suit in Indiafor an unspecified amount and later saidclaims would amount to $3 billion.

3.In Feb. 1989, four years after the tragedy,the Indian Supreme Court found itselfconfronted by activists in India.

4.The Court directed a settlement of $470million and nullified criminal charges.


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Steps taken by UCC and IndianGovernment


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Steps taken by UCC

Closed similar plant producing Methylisocyanate in Virginia

CEO, Warren Anderson accepts responsibility

and promised immediate relief Different teams sent urgently to the site.

Investigation team sent to study the cause of the

incident.


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Contd

Faced the media, admitted the incident was adisaster on behalf of the company

Special investigation team from US, differentexperiments carried out

Reports of the cause were declared to th e court


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Steps taken by the Indian Government

Medical Rehabilitation

Social Rehabilitation

Economic Rehabilitation

Environmental Rehabilitation

Judicial and Administrative Rehabilitation


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Relief at a glance


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Contd


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Social Rehabilitation

Widow pension till final compensation wasmade

Orphans kept till they became adults

Free milk to 71280 beneficiaries daily 12 schools constructed and 6 repaired

2486 free houses were constructed

Huge amount spent on proper water supply


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Social rehabilitation

Summary


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Economic rehabilitation

Created new posts to expedite the process Industrial training institute opened, 8000 people

benefited

42 work sheds opened, given to NGOs, worklike making toys, stitching etc.

152 Industrial sheds opened, given to private

entrepreneurs


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Environmental rehabilitation

Severe environmental losses and ecologicaldamage

Development off green belts

Constructing childrens park Constructing and covering of nullahs and

drainage systems

Laying of roads and streets


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Environmental rehabilitation

Lighting in the streets

Construction of smokeless chullahs

Conversion of dry/open latrines into water flush

latrines

Construction of Sulabh Sauchalayas

Amount spent till now Rs. 2580.34 Cr


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Judicial and administrative rehabilitation

Special administrative cell was created Various departments were also created to ensure the

proper co-ordination

Summary


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Judicial and administrative rehabilitation


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Medical rehabilitation

23 Health institutions established

Average patients attended in OPD was 4127

Door step facilities for chronically ill patients

Expenditure was around Rs.226.73


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Summary of the rehabilitations


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Recommendations

Rationalization of Societal Impact ofChemical Accidents

General Conference Recommendations

Recommendations applicable toFor Governments

For Industries

For communities

For engineering and business universities

For the media

R ti li ti f S i t l I t f


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Rationalization of Societal Impact of

Chemical Accidents

SocietalImpact N

Case (i) = 1

Case (ii) > 1 Case (iii) < 1

= 1

> 1

< 1

Number of fatalities, N

Societalimpact

RiskNeutral

Risk

Averse

RiskProne


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General Conference Recommendations

Information about the tragedy should be made public.

A fresh and time-bound study of those still suffering and theiroff-springs

A memorial with a museum housing the details about thetragedy, medical treatment and the rehabilitation, laws enacted

worldwide, lessons learned, photos and artifacts of the victimsbe built at the site.

National and International Organizations should collaborate toprovide help and guidance regarding treatment of the victimsand clean-up of the contaminated site.

The tragedy and the lessons learnt from it must be taught toengineers, medical students and business students alike.


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Recommendations for Governments

Countries with weak safety and environmentalenforcements should strengthen the same

Standardization and consistency of countries

Similar accidents occurring subsequently shouldbe treated with similar seriousness


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Recommendations Applicable to Industry

Demonstrate commitment to safety at allleadership levels

Implement safety management systems andwork towards a 'zero accident' goal

Share information about chemical releases withthe local authorities and community

Research and development of inherently safer

designs in new plants and expansion of theexisting ones


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Recommendations Applicable to Communities

Be aware of potential hazards posed by localindustry and become familiar with the same

Collaborate with the local management to

educate themselves better to handle sucheventualities

R d ti A li bl t E i i


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Recommendations Applicable to Engineeringand Business Universities

Ensure that students receive the basic educationnecessary to support a future career safely

managing industrial hazards

Perform research on new technologies andmanagement practices to support the safety

improvements of the future


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Recommendations Applicable to Media

Present balanced coverage of good andsubstandard practices related to safety in

industry

Help educate the public about proper actions totake in the event of an emergency


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The tragedy still continues