Major Fire in Badlapur Chemical Factory Highlights India’s Chemical Safety Concern

A massive fire broke out at Veekay Chemical Company in MIDC Badlapur, Thane district, on January 18, 2024. This incident adds to India’s troubling record of chemical factory accidents. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports over 130 major chemical accidents in recent years, resulting in 259 fatalities and more than 560 serious injuries. These disasters have far-reaching consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and long-term environmental harm.

India has experienced several catastrophic chemical accidents, including:

Bombay Docks Explosion (1944)

Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)

Vizag Gas Leak (2020)

Neyveli and Visakhapatnam Accidents

Jaipur Oil Depot Fire (2009)

Mayapuri Radiological Incident (2010)

Among these, the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy stands out as the world’s deadliest industrial disaster. A methyl isocyanate gas leak from the Union Carbide pesticide plant exposed over 500,000 people, causing cerebral edema, liver and lung damage, and a dramatic spike in stillbirth and infant mortality rates.

Understanding Chemical Accidents

Chemical disasters typically result from the release, fire, or explosion of hazardous chemicals during handling, storage, or transportation, or due to natural calamities. The causes can be broadly categorized as:

Unsafe Categories

Technical Causes: Faulty machinery, poor lighting or ventilation, and improper storage.

Working Conditions: Fatigue, monotony, and psychological stress among workers.

Unsafe Acts

Unauthorized operations or high-speed machinery use.

Neglecting personal protective equipment (PPE).

Careless disposal practices.

Environmental and External Factors

Dust, pollutants, and unhygienic conditions.

Climate factors like extreme heat or humidity.

The Badlapur Chemical Incident

On January 18, 2024, a devastating fire engulfed Veekay Chemical Company. A series of explosions followed, with parts of the plant’s reactor flying outside the premises, causing vehicles parked nearby to catch fire. The blaze was reportedly triggered by overheating of sulfuric acid and benzyl acid.

Chief Fire Officer Bhagwat Sonawane described the explosions as powerful enough to impact areas within a 3-kilometer radius. Residents in the vicinity experienced breathing difficulties and eye irritation for hours. The incident resulted in four injuries and one fatality.

Legal Implications

While investigations are ongoing, several legal avenues are applicable:

Negligence: The company can be held liable under the law of torts for failing to ensure plant safety.

Compensation: Injured individuals, families of the deceased, and vehicle owners can claim compensation.

Relevant Laws:

The Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.

Chemical Accidents (Emergency, Planning, Preparedness, and Response) Rules, 1996.

Bhopal Gas Leak (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985.

India has mechanisms such as the National Green Tribunal (2010) and the National Environment Appellate Authority (1997) for addressing environmental disputes. The NDMA’s guidelines on chemical disasters and International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations also provide a framework for mitigation and response.

Conclusion

Chemicals are integral to modern industries, but their potential for harm requires stringent management. While accidents in the chemical sector are rare, negligence or oversight can result in irreparable damage. The lasting social, environmental, and economic consequences of such disasters emphasize the urgent need for robust safety protocols and effective disaster management systems.