Why in news?
- The disastrous leak of a toxic chemical that has killed several people and left hundreds sick near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh comes as a shock to a nation struggling to cope with a prolonged lockdown.
- Styrene, the chemical involved is included in the schedule of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989.
- The rules lay down strict norms on how it should be handled and stored.
What should be done now?
- The Andhra Pradesh government must focus immediately on the medical needs of those who have been grievously affected by the gas leak.
- International safety literature cites it as a substance that may cause cancer; there is thus no safe limit for exposure to it.
- Solatium payments and compensation for the victims and families are important, but so is access to the highest quality of health care for the victims.
- This is also a warning for industries across India that are going to reopen after the long lockdown and safety of industrial chemicals requires continuous watch, with no scope for waivers.
- As India aims for a wider manufacturing base, it needs to strengthen its approach to public and occupational safety.
- Transparent oversight is not a hurdle to industrial growth.
- It advances sustainable development by eliminating terrible mistakes.
-Source: The Hindu
