Bhopal gas tragedy: This tragic disaster occurred on the night of December 3, 1984. It was casued by a gas leak is one of the world's worst Industrial catastrophes which occured at the Union carbide India Limited (UCIL), pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

UCIL was started in 1969 at the northern state of India. Phosgene, Monomethlyamine, Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) and the pesticide Carbaryl, also known as Sevin were manufactured here.

The leak of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC), a deadly poisonous gas and other chemicals from the plant resulted in the exposure of thousands of people. The toxic substance spread around the neighborhood located near the plant which resulted in a very high death toll. About 3,50,000 people were severely affected with respiratory and other health issues. Many animals died on the spot. The initial effects of exposure caused coughing, vomiting, eye irritation and suffocation feeling.

The factors that led to the gas leak were Storing MIC in large tanks and filling beyond recommended levels, failure of several safety systems.  Also some safety systems being switched off to save money. Lack of skilled operators and no proper training was given to them. The steam boiler used to clean the pipes  was not working. The other causes were that the plant was located very close to a densely populated area and reduction of safety management.