HUMAN CAUSED DISASTERS
Author : Ruqaiyah Rashid, student at Sultan-Ul-Uloom College of Law.
INTRODUCTION :
Human caused disasters are incidents or events that are caused by human actions rather than natural causes. These disasters can have severe consequences and impact the environment, infrastructure, and human lives. Some examples include oil spills, nuclear accidents, deforestation, and even wars. It’s crucial for us to take responsibility for our actions and work towards preventing and mitigating these disasters to protect our planet and ensure a safer future. Some human caused disasters that have occurred in India include the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984, the uttarakhand floods in 2013 ( partly caused by deforestation and improper development), Vizag gas leak tragedy 2020. These incidents highlight the importance of addressing human actions to prevent such disasters and protect lives and the environment.
Human caused disasters in India :
Vizag gas leak strategy (2020) :
Vizag gas leak tragedy in 2020 was a devastating incident. It occurred in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Toxic gas leaked from a chemical plant, affecting the surrounding areas. It resulted in the loss of many lives, injuries and severe health issues for the affected individuals.
Flyover collapse in Kolkata (2016) :
It was a tragic incident and it occurred in 2016 where a section of under construction flyover collapsed. It resulted in loss of many lives and injuries. This incident raised concerns about the quality of construction and the need for proper safety measures in infrastructure projects.
Bhopal gas leak tragedy (1984) :
The Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984 took place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a deadly gas leak from a pesticide plant which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and caused severe health consequences for others. It is one of the most horrific incident in India. It is considered as world’s worst industrial disasters.
Offences relating to human caused disasters :
Offences relating to human caused disasters are covered under various legislations. Some relevant laws include Indian penal code (IPC), the Environment protection Act, 1986 and the Factories Act, 1948. These laws address different aspects of man made disasters, such as negligence, environmental violations and safety standards in industries.
The Environment protection Act, 1986 aims to protect and improve the environment. It provides a legal framework for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
The Factories Act, 1948 is an important legislation in India which focuses on the safety, health and welfare of workers employed in factories. It sets out various provisions related to working conditions, safety measures and welfare amenities for factory workers.
Conclusion :
Human caused disasters can cause a negative impact on all the lives and environment. It also causes threat to the thousands of lives. Human caused disasters such as industrial accidents and environmental mishaps can have severe consequences. It’s important to prioritize safety, follow regulations and to take precautions to prevent such disasters. Responsible actions and proper planning and safety measures can help minimize such disasters.