National Pollution Control Day isobserved on 2 December every year. This day is celebrated to raise awarenessabout environmental pollution produced by industrial processes or humannegligence and also commemorates the thousands of people who lost their livesin the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984. This year will be marked as the 37th nationalpollution control day.
History of National Pollution ControlDay
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy took place in Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh, on 2nd and 3rd December 1984. This devastating chemical leakwas said to be one of the worst industrial disasters of all time.
Approximately 45 tons of methylisocyanate escaped from an insecticide plant from the Union Carbide Corporation’sIndian subsidiary. A death toll of 15,000 to 20,000 people was calculatedwith over half a million more injured and suffering various diseases. To spreadawareness related to industrial pollution, this day is celebrated in Indiaevery year on December 2.
Significance of National PollutionControl Day
According to the National Health Portal ofIndia, every year around 7 million people globally die due to air pollution, 4million of whom die from indoor air pollution.
The data also reveals that nine out of tenpeople globally do not have access to clean and safe air.
According to WHO, Air pollution isresponsible for 12.5% of all deaths in India. The harmful gases inthe air kill an average of 8.5 out of every 10,000 children in India before theyturn 5 years old. Small girls are at higher risk as 9.6 out of every 10,000girls die before the age of 5.
Objectives of National Pollution ControlDay
The main objectives of celebrating National PollutionControl Day are as follow:
· Tobring awareness to people about prevention of air, soil, noise, and waterpollution.
· Toraise awareness about environmental pollution.
· Toeducate people on how to prevent pollution.
· Toprevent the pollution produced by industrial processes.