National Pollution Control Day 2023- History and Significance 

The National Pollution Control Day is among the most important days and dates in India. It is observed annually on 2 December. On this memorable day, people across the Indian subcontinent honour and commemorate those poor countless people of Bhopal who lost their lives during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. This tragedy, which wept out a major part of the population and left many heavily injured remains one of the most disastrous industrial events of all time. It happened on the nights of 2nd and 3rd December in 1984 and resulted in numerous fatalities including loss of life. Additionally, many people who survived the incident were later admitted to hospitals in critical condition.

Name of the event	National Pollution Control Day
Date	2 December
Objective	To commemorate those who lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

History of National Pollution Control Day

Before moving on, let us first explore a bit about the history of National Pollution Control Day: 

• The National Pollution Control Day is closely related to the Bhopal Disaster of 1984. 
• The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, also known as the Bhopal Disaster, is among the world’s most deadly industrial disasters of all time. 
• It occurred on 3rd December 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant located at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. 
• Around 45 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the plant which further resulted in exposing citizens to a highly toxic and deadly gas. 
• This release of the toxic gas resulted in the immediate death of many people around the neighbourhood. Those who survived continued to deal with other medical conditions such as cancer, eye-related issues, and respiratory problems. 
• In addition to this, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 also resulted in the soil and water pollution in the area thus, making it unsafe for use. 

Also Read: Thanksgiving Day: Date, History, Traditions

National Pollution Control Day 2023 Theme

Moving on to the theme of the National Pollution Control Day 2022, it was widely believed to be Go Green and Breathe Pure Air. However, it is essential to remember that this specific theme was not officially announced by higher authorities. Regardless of that, it perfectly resembles the significance and objective of the day. Apart from this, the theme for this year has not been announced yet.

Significance of National Pollution Control Day

National Pollution Control Day which is observed annually on December 2 is a day of great significance in India. It raises awareness about the destructive effects of pollution on our environment and the immediate need for effective control measures. As mentioned earlier, it commemorates the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 which resulted in thousands of casualties, causing an undying impact on the environment and public health.

Moving on, the significance of this day is clearly reflected in its objectives such as raising awareness of pollution, preventing similar industrial disasters in the future, protecting and preserving the environment, and collectively working towards a more sustainable future.  

Also Read: National Entrepreneurs Day: Theme 2023 and Most Successful Entrepreneurs

Union Carbide Corporation v. UOI

Here is the overview of the Union Carbide Corporation v. UOI case and its final judgment: 

• Considering the disastrous aftermath of the Bhopal Gas tragedy, the Union of India filed a lawsuit against Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) on behalf of the affected families and victims. 
• The case was filed to seek compensation for the damage caused by the unanticipated disaster. 
• However, UCC denied paying the compensation and argued that it was in fact the Government of India who was responsible for insufficient regulations of the plant.  
• Moreover, the UCC also considered the compensation amount  
• After consistent negotiations, UCC finally agreed to settle the case with $470 million in 1989. 
• This settlement was further approved by the apex Supreme Court of India. Subsequently, the funds were later distributed to the victims of the tragedy. 

5 Popular Quotes to Fight Pollution 

Here we have jotted down a few popular quotes to fight pollution along with the famous personality who said them. 

Quote	Said by
Environmental pollution is an incurable disease. It can only be prevented.	Barry Commoner
The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.	Ross Perot
The environment will continue to deteriorate until pollution practices are abandoned.	B. F. Skinner
The earth we abuse and the living things we kill will, in the end, take their revenge; for in exploiting their presence we are diminishing our future.	Marya Mannes
Environmental pollution is a blight on people’s quality of life and a trouble that weighs on their hearts.	Li Keqiang

Relevant Blogs

Organ Donation Day	World Television Day
International Men’s Day Quotes	International Men’s Day 2023
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims	National Press Day 2023

FAQs 

This blog was all about the National Pollution Control Day. For more information about such informative articles, check the trending events page of Leverage Edu.