History Repeats Itself : Vizag Gas Leak Tragedy

Amidst the dreary coronavirus pandemic, another history repeats itself, causing immense chaos and somewhat close to the massacre in Vizag, India. Yes, the 1984 Bhopal gas leak tragedy is repeated with the advent of the Andhra Pradesh gas leak. The gas leak has claimed around 11 lives until now and affected more than 1000 residents in the neighboring villages of the Vizag. The leak source is traced, and the styrene plant is owned by South Korean Electronic giant LG, located 15kms from the coast city area. As per the initial reports, several people from the vicinity and the surrounding villages fell unconscious in Padmapuram and Kamparapalem namely, on the open streets. The first six lives were claimed due to the most extended exposure to lethal gas. The rest two casualties occurred due to attempts to escape from the leak as per forensic reports. Why Styrene can be lethal? Styrene is a simple flammable liquid compound that is mainly utilized in the production of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, etc. The compound evaporates with ease and has a sweet smell to it. Styrene occurs in small quantities in coal tar as well. It is often found in some plants and food items, namely cinnamon, peanuts, coffee beans, etc. It is the precursor to polystyrene. It is also found in cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust. Animal studies have indicated that Styrene can cause damage to the liver and can have a prolonged impact on animals more than on humans. What are the effects of the consumption of Styrene on civilians? Resources say that long term exposure to Styrene can cause central nervous system and kidney effects that can induce headaches, depression, fatigue, hearing loss, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory effects as well. [Sources: https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/styrene] How is Vizag affected by the gas leak? It is unclear at the moment that the deaths are due to the exposure to the styrene gas or its byproducts, Vishakapatnam officials working on-site have claimed the gas compound as a non-poisonous element. However, a large number of people are affected by the initial symptoms of irritation of eyes, nose and respiratory issues, and admitted to hospitals. The victims in the neighboring villages, including animals, are highly affected as the pictures surface over the social media platforms too. The positive fact is the gas is not poisonous as far as the research is concerned, and it is due time to trace the residents exposed to the gas and giving them viable treatment amidst the drudgery of the lockdown. Cause of the leak: Vizag Plant Leak 2020 Reports from the on-site officials of the LG polymers claims that stagnation and the variable changes in temperature in the interior of the storage tank could be the plausible reason for the auto polymerization. The facility is being observed by the forensics for the exact information to give a clear idea of the incident. PTBC ( Para-tertiary butyl catechol), produced in South Gujarat, will be utilized on 8th May 2020 to neutralize the effect of the styrene gas leak and control the containment of the spread. Vizag West MLA, visited the plant this Friday and said " Everything is under control. The repair works were done. The news of the blast and leakages around 2 am are baseless and fake". Status of the Vizag Plant Leak: Latest Updates The authorities are busy repairing and sanitizing the chemical plant currently. There is an outrage against the LG Polymers for the carelessness, and it is being decided to shut it down permanently as per the demands of local residents. The doctors also claim that chronic exposure to styrene chemical compounds might have carcinogenic impacts. Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal issued notice to the Centre, LG Polymers India Pvt, and CPCB for the gas leak tragedy. CM Jaganmohan Reddy has also instructed officials to make a proper roadmap to create a safer Vizag free of industrial disaster, especially amidst a global crisis. Judiciary probe is also plunged into the Vizag gas leak tragedy by the BJP state president. On the other hand, NGT directs LG Polymers to deposit Rs.50 crore with the Vizag DM. It is reported that 25 people are in a state pf critical condition. Furthermore, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also issued notices to the Central and Andhra Pradesh governments stating that the incident was a “serious violation of human rights.” Also, the Vizag doctors are looking forward to assistance from navy COVID-19 equipment. The medical contingencies for oxygen supply simultaneously to corona patients have come to the rescue of the Vizag gas leak victims as well. Naval Dockyard Vishakapatnam (NDV) has curated the portable multi-feed oxygen manifold equipment around March, using a six-way radial header. It is, therefore, a misfortunate incident that has affected more than 1000 lives till now and counting. The corona pandemic has already shattered millions of lives globally and the disheartening event has killed many animals that are not even counted so time has come to make Vizag a safe city once again to avoid industrial hazards like this in the near future.

History Repeats Itself : Vizag Gas Leak Tragedy

Cause of the leak: Vizag Plant Leak 2020

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Cause of the leak: Vizag Plant Leak 2020

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