Chemical emergencies involving hazardous materials are not uncommon in India. According to the National Disaster Management Guidelines – Chemical (Industrial) Disaster Management released in May 2007, over 25 incidents have been recorded. One such event occurred on July 14, 2010, when a chlorine leak from a corroded gas cylinder at Mumbai Port Trust’s hazardous cargo warehouse affected more than 120 people, leaving 70 in critical condition. The incident highlighted severe lapses in safety protocols and environmental safeguards.
In response to such incidents, the Government of India has developed an emergency preparedness framework at the national, state, and district levels under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This framework is designed to mitigate risks when preventive safety measures fail. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is also working on a National Action Plan for Chemical (Industrial) Disaster Management to enhance capacity development and ensure compliance with safety mechanisms across the country.
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RKS JPBS-2 2010