Pollution level in India is at an alarming rate, especially in the national capital, Delhi which is the worst hit by it. The observance of National Pollution Control Day 2019 comes as a timely reminder for us at this time.
The day is also celebrated as National Pollution Prevention Day in India. The day is observed to commemorate the deaths of people who lost their lives in Bhopal Gas Disaster in the 1980s.
National Pollution Control Day 2019 Date and history
Every year in India, the National Pollution Control Day, or National Pollution Prevention Day, is observed on December 2. The observance is a mark of respect to those people who died on December 2-3, 1984, in the Bhopal Gas Calamity, also referred to as Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
Over 3,000 people reportedly died the next morning, during the fateful incident on December 2-3 in 1984. The death figures jumped to over 8,000 in two weeks.
The deaths occurred due to the leakage of poisonous gas, i.e. Methyl Isocyanate (MIC), during the wee hours of December 3, after initial leakages were reported on December 2 night.
The Bhopal Gas Disaster is considered to be the world’s worst industrial disaster of all time.
National Pollution Control Day significance
Bhopal Gas Tragedy is considered as one of the most significant industrial pollution disasters.
As per the Indian government notification, the objectives of National Pollution Control Day are:
- To educate people and industries about the significance of pollution control acts
- To raise awareness about managing and controlling industrial disasters
- To prevent pollution caused by industries and human negligence
On this day, essay writing, debates, quiz, among other competitions take place in schools and colleges. One of the ways to celebrate National Pollution Control Day is to do your bit in promoting a clean and green environment.
The National Pollution Control Day is observed in India, but the crisis of pollution is spread globally.
